Perlis Inland Port hits 100,000 TEUs in 4.5 months

The Perlis Inland Port (PIP) has achieved a significant milestone, handling 100,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within just four and a half months of full operations. This rapid progress positions the northern state of Perlis as a key strategic logistics gateway, linking Malaysia with ASEAN and regional markets.

Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasized that PIP's milestone underscores its potential to turn Perlis into a major cross-border trade and logistics hub, especially as cargo volumes from southern Thailand and the wider ASEAN region continue to surge. The minister highlighted the Government's focus on leveraging Perlis' geographical advantage to offer more competitive logistics costs, attract high-value investments, and boost economic opportunities for the state's residents.

The port's seamless integration with rail, road, and maritime networks is poised to strengthen Malaysia's standing in regional supply chains. By connecting various transportation modes, PIP could bolster Malaysia's position as a vital logistics hub, providing more efficient access to ASEAN, Chinese, and international markets.

Phase One of PIP, which can handle up to 300,000 TEUs annually, is witnessing a gradual shift in cargo operations from the Padang Besar Container Terminal to accommodate the growing freight flow from southern Thailand and the ASEAN region. The Minister was briefed on further expansion plans, including the establishment of an on-dock depot, the widening of container-handling areas, and enhanced cargo services in collaboration with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).

The introduction of a daily STC rail service between Perai and PIP, which commenced in December 2025, has significantly enhanced multimodal connectivity, offering a quicker and more efficient cargo transportation option. PIP is also interconnected with crucial economic and logistics nodes in northern Peninsular Malaysia, such as Bukit Kayu Hitam Inland Clearance Depot, Chuping Valley Industrial Area, Kedah Rubber City, and Kedah Science and Technology Park.

This network expansion is set to support the Malaysia-Thailand Border Economic Zone and spur increased cross-border trade and investment.

Moreover, PIP's connections with Penang Port and Indonesia's Belawan New Container Terminal form a 388-kilometer logistics corridor, potentially lowering cargo costs and transit times compared to conventional routes. This strategic corridor could help Malaysia capitalize on high-value investments under China+1 supply-chain strategies by offering competitive access to ASEAN markets and the Greater Mekong Subregion, promising broader economic benefits for Perlis, including the creation of over 500 jobs for the local workforce.