KUCHING: The logistics related industry is expected to expand at accumulated annual growth rate of 11.6 per cent to reach RM203.71 trillion by 2016.

Assistant Resource Planning Minister Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said to achieve that, the industry had been expected to grow by 5.9 per cent to reach RM1.32 trillion this year.

“Logistics related industry is expected to grow 5.9 per cent to RM1.32 trillion compared to RM1.24 trillion last year. As such, by 2016, the industry would have grown by 11.6 per cent, hitting RM203.71 trillion,” said Naroden in a text speech read by Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni at the launching of JFAM Logistic Sdn Bhd company and business operations here yesterday.

Naroden, who is also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Enterpreneur Development), added that the projected growth was backed by strong government support towards the industry and foreign investments.

He explained that this was due to the industry being an important sector to kick start the trade industry in the region.

However, the industry had been overlooked even though it plays an important role to move local and international trade in terms of exporting and importing raw materials or end products.

Therefore, various efforts had been taken by the government in collaboration with the public sector to strengthen and unite the logistics sector.

“We not only want to provide better service and competitive rate for domestic manufacturers but also to provide logistics service to neighbouring countries,” said Naroden.

“Malaysia is providing capacity and new facilities at the wharf and airports plus improving amenities to make the country the central stop for logistics including Sarawak.”

Apart from that, Naroden said Malaysia’s strategic position and emphasis to improve the supply chain was said to contribute towards the growth of the industry.

“This opportunity must be grabbed and utilised by the logistics service provider to open up opportunites and to grow new customers,” he said.

Earlier, JFAM Logistic Sdn Bhd managing director Jores Sedek said the company has 10 branches and operation offices in the country since it was founded two years ago, in July 2010, in Sarawak.

He added that the branches and operations offices were located in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Labuan, Kuala Lumpur and Subang with the head office located at Batu Kawah New Township.

The company provides daily logistics service including on Sunday and public holidays at seven main airports only.

To learn more about services offered, call JFAM at 082-579589 or visit www.jfam.net.

Source : The Borneopost.com;  May 7, 2012, Monday