GEORGE TOWN: Penang Port Sdn Bhd has recorded a 13% rise in container handling, contrary to the statements made by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, said its managing director Datuk Ahmad Ibnihajar.
Ahmad denied claims that the port had experienced a 24% decline in container handling in the second quarter of the year.
He said despite the economic slowdown, the port was on target to match last year’s volume.
Making a profit: Ahmad showing a graph of Penang port’s growing operating performance over the years. “The port has been making a profit since 1999 despite heavy losses from the ferry services, which is provided for the benefit of Penangites,” he said at a press conference.
Ahmad was responding to the statement made by Lim that the port’s revenue was falling. Ahmad said in the second quarter of this year, container handling improved 13% from 199,391 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) to 225,322 TEUs.
“This figure is expected to increase by another 12% in the third quarter (ending in September) and despite the economic slowdown, we expect this year’s figures to match last year’s of 929,639 TEUs,” he said.
He chided Lim for making inaccurate statements.
“On July 30, a report was published quoting someone who does not know his facts.
“The Penang Port corrected these figures in a report on Aug 1 and Lim is still using the wrong figures,” he said.
Ahmad said it was unfair to paint a negative picture of the port when it is making money.
“Our banks are now calling us up and want to review our credit rating,” he said.
On Tuesday, Lim released a statement asking that the Federal Government consider restoring Penang’s free-port status as container handling had declined 24% in the last quarter.
Ahmad said Lim’s office had not contacted the Penang Port to verify the figures and urged Lim to check the facts with the proper authorities first before making statements.
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