PORT KLANG is a key player in the global shipping industry, serving as the nation’s busiest port, and soon to be announced, the 10th busiest port in the world.
Despite its critical importance to Malaysia’s economy and the overall global shipping industry, Port Klang remains largely underdeveloped as a port town and has not reached its full potential as a destination for both trade and tourism. To position Port Klang as a true port town, both in terms of economic vitality and cultural appeal, or as a tourist attraction, a thorough transformation is needed.
There are several examples of port towns around the world that have successfully integrated their maritime heritage with tourism and local development. Cities like Singapore, Rotterdam, Hong Kong, and Amsterdam serve as prime examples of how port towns can balance bustling commercial activities with cultural vibrancy, environmental sustainability, and an attractive urban landscape.
- Singapore, known for its state-of-the-art port facilities, has managed to blend its maritime industry with tourism, creating a global hub that attracts millions of visitors annually. The Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, and the Gardens by the Bay show how a port can coexist with tourism and green spaces.
- Rotterdam in the Netherlands has a striking modern aesthetic and sustainable development practices. It’s a port town known for its museums, architecture, and thriving cultural scene, proving that a working port and urban regeneration can go hand in hand.
- Hong Kong is a major international shipping hub that also boasts a vibrant tourism industry. The Victoria Harbour, along with tourist attractions like the Star Ferry, brings together the essence of maritime heritage with modernity.
- Amsterdam, with its canals and historical port district, has capitalized on its maritime past by offering tourists a chance to explore the rich heritage of its waterways, while also embracing innovation and sustainable urban design.
Current State of Port Klang
Port Klang however, presents a stark contrast to these global port towns. The town’s infrastructure and urban planning remain underdeveloped, with a disorganized mix of industrial sites, neglected public spaces, poor signage, dirty and crow’s laden corners, and uninviting streets. For visitors and tourists, Port Klang feels like an afterthought or the backwaters of Klang. It is a town that, despite its massive economic potential, offers little to inspire visitors or residents alike.
- Poor Infrastructure: The roads around Port Klang are often congested, poorly maintained, and lack pedestrian-friendly features. Drains and basic utilities are either outdated or neglected, detracting from the town’s overall image. Stray dogs, haphazard parking are common too.
- Industrial Sprawl: The port area is surrounded by warehouses, cargo facilities, and industrial zones, many of which have little to no aesthetic appeal or accessibility for tourists.
- Lack of Tourism Infrastructure: Aside from a few basic eateries and local shops, there are few attractions that would draw tourists, and those that do exist—such as the Sri Murugan Temple or the Port Klang Heritage Walk—are often overlooked or poorly maintained.
- Foreign Labor and Informal Business: While foreign workers contribute to the economy, the visible presence of informal businesses and lack of regulation can often create an unpleasant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
- Huge tanker lorries do not have a decent parking bay or even a decent toilet for the poor drivers to refresh themselves after a hard day of driving from North to South ferrying goods from the port.
What Port Klang Needs to Do: A Vision for the Future
To elevate Port Klang into a true port town that not only serves as a critical node in global trade but also attracts tourists and locals alike, several key actions need to be taken:
1. Revitalizing Infrastructure
The town’s infrastructure is in dire need of a makeover. Widening and modernizing roads, improving drainage systems, and creating pedestrian-friendly walkways will provide a foundation for sustainable growth. Port Klang could adopt the best practices from other port cities by integrating smart city technologies that allow for better traffic management, environmental monitoring, and citizen engagement.
2. Embrace Sustainable Urban Planning
Port Klang can take inspiration from cities like Rotterdam and Singapore by emphasizing green spaces, eco-friendly buildings, and sustainable design. Creating parks along the waterfront, bike lanes, and pedestrian zones could invite both residents and tourists to explore the area while minimizing the environmental footprint of the port.
3. Leverage Port Heritage for Tourism
Port Klang’s maritime history can be a key selling point. A dedicated maritime museum or a heritage centre could educate visitors about Malaysia’s role in global trade and the history of Port Klang itself. Incorporating interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a waterfront promenade could attract tourists interested in maritime culture. This can be complemented by historical walking tours or boat rides along the coast to showcase the bustling port in action.
4. Develop Tourism-Oriented Attractions
Port Klang’s current lack of attractions is a significant barrier to tourism. The town could focus on developing new attractions such as waterfront dining areas, cultural festivals, and craft markets. Creating a marina area for recreational boats and yachts could also attract affluent tourists while adding vibrancy to the town’s waterfront. Events like seafood festivals, port-side art fairs, and cultural exhibitions could be used to draw in crowds throughout the year.
5. Improve Public Amenities and the Urban Landscape
The aesthetic appearance of Port Klang needs urgent attention. Make it mandatory to all the traders to paint their shops (especially the old structures either maroon or white colour) to spruce the image of the shops. Improve the road signage, cleaning streets, creating beautiful public spaces, and establishing well-maintained parks could drastically improve the look and feel of the town. Making the area more visually appealing, with integrated green spaces and vibrant street art, can help foster a sense of pride and attract tourists (Juan Migual Pozo from Spain did his part by painting a large-scale mural at the Jalan Kem traffic light, on the shop wall)
6. Create a Strong Local Economy Beyond the Port
While the port is the economic backbone, the surrounding area should be developed with a focus on small businesses, local eateries, and artisanal markets to create a more diverse and welcoming atmosphere. Encouraging the development of businesses that cater to tourists, as well as locals, will enhance the town’s cultural landscape.
7. Engage the Local Community and Workforce
Port Klang should take active steps to ensure that the foreign labour population and informal business activities do not detract from the town’s appeal. Community engagement and empowerment programs aimed at improving standards of living for the foreign workforce could help integrate them into the broader community. Collaboration between local businesses and foreign workers could also lead to better-regulated informal economies and enhanced cultural exchange.
Conclusion
Port Klang has the potential to be much more than just a bustling industrial hub. By drawing inspiration from global port towns, the town could become a dynamic fusion of maritime industry, cultural heritage, and tourism. With improved infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and an emphasis on tourism development, Port Klang could one day be a port town that attracts both ships and tourists alike—creating a unique space where commerce and culture converge.
The Port Klang Ferry Terminal is a diamond in the rough. A thriving hub of eager tourists bringing life and energy. That is, of course, if only Port Klang offered even the slightest crumb to satisfy these famished souls stepping ashore.
Instead, visitors are treated to the riveting experience of driving right past the town without so much as a glance. How tragic! It’s almost impressive how blind the Ministry of Transport, the Klang Town Council, and the Selangor state government have been, blissfully snoozing through the golden opportunity that Port Klang practically throws in their laps. – November 25, 2024
–Ravindran Raman Kutty is a prolific communications professional with vast experience in the port industry