Latest news with #PKA
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
FMM urges clarity, dialogue on port tariff hike
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) remains concerned that the scale and timing of the recent port tariff hikes without detailed cost disclosures or comprehensive stakeholder consultation may place an undue burden on industry. In response to the explanations provided by the Port Klang Authority (PKA) in its press statement dated June 16, 2025, FMM said given the wide-ranging implications for trade, investment and the cost of doing business, it believes the rationale for the revision warrants further scrutiny. "FMM fully respects the right of all stakeholders, including PKA, to present and defend their positions. Constructive dialogue is essential to national development. "However, given the wide-ranging implications of this tariff hike, especially amid broader cost escalations and global uncertainties, we believe it is time to move beyond justification and toward pragmatic resolution," said FMM president Tan Seri Datuk Soh Thian Lai. Soh said the federation disagrees on PKA points that Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. While Port Klang's official handling tariff of RM390 (approximately US$92 per TEU) may appear lower on paper, he said this figure does not reflect the actual cost borne by Malaysian shippers. "Terminal Handling Charges (THC) are not billed directly by port operators to shippers; instead, they are imposed by shipping lines, often with significant mark-ups. "Current publicly available rates by shipping lines show that Malaysian shippers are already paying an average of RM480 per 20-foot container, well above the existing RM300 port handling charge. "Increasing the tariff to RM390 without structural reform will effectively give shipping lines the latitude to raise THC further, potentially reaching the real-world cost range of US$120 to 130 per TEU," he said. Meanwhile, Soh pointed out that port operators face cost pressures like other industries, but it questions whether the proposed tariff hike is truly warranted given current financial and regulatory contexts. Under existing concession agreements, the costs associated with port development and infrastructure are contractually required to be fully borne by port operators, he said. As for the PKA's claims that relative to other increases, port charges are a small fraction of the total cost that consumers will ultimately bear indirectly, FMM disagrees with the narrow framing of cost impact based solely on per-kilogram increments. While PKA's micro-level calculation may appear negligible, he said it overlooks the broader and more significant issue, such as the cumulative cost burden placed on Malaysian exporters, importers and manufacturers. "PKA's analysis fails to acknowledge that logistics costs are already among the highest contributors to the cost of doing business in Malaysia. "The impact of a 30 per percent increase in container handling charges and a 200–243 per cent hike in storage charges cannot be minimised by simplistic per-unit cost metrics. "FMM reiterates that the evaluation of port tariff adjustments must be done holistically, accounting for their multiplier effect across the supply chain and national economy," he said. In addition, Soh said FMM reiterates that claims of "modest" increases are not supported by the quantum of the adjustments, which are among the steepest seen in recent memory. Without detailed, he said, transparent cost justifications, these increases will be viewed as revenue maximisation at the expense of trade facilitation. "Maintaining investor confidence and trade momentum requires a holistic approach where competitiveness is grounded in predictable pricing, stakeholder consultation and a transparent cost-recovery framework. "FMM urges the authorities to defer the hike and engage the industry in reassessing a sustainable, accountable tariff structure aligned with national economic goals," he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Port Klang tariffs remain competitive, says PKA
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) today clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. Its general manager, K Subramaniam, said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0 per cent and 185 per cent lower than those of other ASEAN ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. 'In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. 'The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres,' said Subramaniam in a statement on Monday (June 16). He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. 'The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations,' he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. 'The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. 'Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan,' he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. 'Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogram,' he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Port Klang tariff remains competitive in region, says PKA chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) today clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. Its general manager, K Subramaniam, said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0 per cent and 185 per cent lower than those of other ASEAN ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. 'In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. 'The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres,' said Subramaniam in a statement on Monday (June 16). He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. 'The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations,' he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. 'The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. 'Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan,' he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. 'Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogram,' he added.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Port Klang tariffs remain competitive regionally, says PKA chief
KUALA LUMPUR: The Port Klang Authority (PKA) on Monday (June 16) clarified that its tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. General manager K. Subramaniam said that even after the staggered increases are fully implemented in 2027, Port Klang's tariffs will still be between 5.0% and 185% lower than those of other Asean ports. Refuting claims by several parties regarding the recent tariff revision, Subramaniam said Port Klang's overall cost competitiveness reinforces its strategic role as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres. "In Port Klang's latest tariff revision, a comprehensive benchmarking exercise was conducted against neighbouring and regional ports. Despite the revision, Port Klang's tariff rates will remain among the most competitive in the region. "The overall cost competitiveness reinforces Port Klang's strategic positioning as the preferred logistics and transshipment hub for global logistics and distribution centres," said Subramaniam in a statement Monday. He clarified that it was incorrect to assume all container volumes in Port Klang would be subject to the full increase, as this ignores key factors such as phased implementation, free storage periods, and the fact that a significant portion of cargo is transshipment, which is priced differently. He added that the last tariff review was conducted a decade ago, and storage rates have remained unchanged for nearly six decades. Subramaniam said that at just RM4 per twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU), the storage rate has remained unchanged since 1966. This has been a major contributor to yard congestion, as the port has been used as a low-cost, long-term storage option, leading to inefficient use of terminal facilities. He said the revised charges are aimed at improving cargo turnaround by discouraging long-term storage and easing yard congestion, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. To this end, Subramaniam noted that port users who move containers within the free storage period would not be affected by the targeted increases. "The revised rates consider contemporary logistics solutions within the supply chain and support responsible storage usage in the ports, thereby facilitating more productive and efficient operations," he added. Far from undermining Malaysia's competitiveness, he said the tariff revision is designed to strengthen Port Klang's position as a regional logistics hub by enabling continued investment in capacity, technology and sustainability. This will ultimately benefit manufacturers, exporters and importers, and advance Malaysia's trade ecosystem. "The Port Klang tariff revision is a measured and necessary step to ensure long-term service quality, operational efficiency and infrastructure readiness. "Before the tariff was approved, a comprehensive and detailed study was undertaken. As a result, the quantum of the rate increase was reduced and implemented through a staggered three-year plan," he said. In response to concerns that the revision would significantly raise consumer goods prices, PKA clarified that port charges represent only a small fraction of the total cost to consumers. "Typically, a 20-foot container carrying 20 tonnes of cargo will see an increase in handling charges of just 0.45 sen per kilogramme," he added. - Bernama
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Rare loss-of-function variants in HECTD2 and AKAP11 confer a risk of bipolar disorder
Scientists at deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, reveal today in Nature Genetics associations between rare loss-of-function variants in two genes and bipolar disorder. REYKJAVIK, Iceland, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, bouts of mania or hypomania, and episodes of depression. It is a highly heritable and serious condition, that when untreated comes with a high suicide rate. While there are several mood-stabilizing drugs available to treat the disorder, pharmaceutical treatment of bipolar disorder can have difficult side-effects and better treatments are urgently needed. Significant progress has occurred over the last 15 years through genome-wide association studies leading to the identification of hundreds of biomarkers, i.e. DNA sequence variants, associated with the risk of psychiatric disease, including bipolar disorder. These biomarkers represent common variations each carrying a small risk, but in confluence, they are beginning to account for a considerable part of the variance in psychiatric traits and disorders. Variants predicted to cause loss of function of genes tend to be rare but hold great promise for informing on the underlying biology. To harness the information contained in rare loss-of-function (LOF) variants, the scientists performed a variant burden analysis for bipolar disorder using gene-based aggregation of LOF variants in whole genome sequencing data from Iceland and the UK Biobank and using data from the Bipolar Exomes study (BipEx, for replication and further meta-analysis efforts. The study revealed the association of LOF variants in two genes (HECTD2 and AKAP11) with bipolar disorder. Both associations with bipolar disorder are novel, but AKAP11 has previously been associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. AKAP11 encodes an anchoring protein, that regulatory subunits of protein kinase A (PKA) bind to, leading to confinement of PKA to specific cellular locations. HECTD2 encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, that adds multiple ubiquitin groups to proteins, thereby labeling them for destruction by the proteasome. The products of both AKAP11 and HECTD2 interact with GSK3β, a protein inhibited by lithium, the most effective mood stabilizer available to treat bipolar disorder. These findings point to the dysfunction of specific cellular pathways in bipolar disorder and cast the gene products of AKAP11 and HECTD2 along with GSK3β as promising targets in the search for new treatments for bipolar disorder. Based in Reykjavik, Iceland, deCODE genetics is a global leader in analyzing and understanding the human genome. Using its unique expertise and population resources, deCODE has discovered genetic risk factors for dozens of common diseases. The purpose of understanding the genetics of disease is to use that information to create new means of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease. deCODE genetics is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amgen. SOURCE deCODE genetics
