On November 5, 2024, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), in collaboration with the Central Region Shipping Association (CRSA) and the Shipowners Association Malaysia (SAM), unveiled the Port Integrity Campaign at Port Klang, Malaysia’s primary maritime trade hub. This initiative emerges as part of a concerted effort to combat remaining corruption challenges within the port’s operations, building on a trend of decreasing corruption reporting in recent years.
The Port Integrity Campaign aims to foster transparency and accountability in Port Klang, reinforcing a culture of integrity among maritime stakeholders. Therry Van Vreden, MACN Member Lead for Malaysia, emphasized the campaign’s significance, stating that it represents a critical commitment to enhance integrity in the Malaysian maritime sector. He praised SAM and CRSA for their leadership in this initiative, which aligns with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that emphasizes collaboration among industry players to eliminate corruption.
Central to the campaign is the “Say No” initiative, which empowers local port agents and other stakeholders to firmly reject requests for facilitation payments when managing vessels at Port Klang. This zero-tolerance approach aims to counteract corruption by enabling industry participants to resist illegal practices and promote an integrity-centric maritime environment.
Key elements of the Port Integrity Campaign include:
- Stakeholder Engagement: The campaign will actively engage port agents, especially members of the CRSA and SAM, to foster collaboration across the maritime supply chain, including government entities.
- Capacity Building: MACN and its partners will provide on-the-ground coaching for port agents and access to tools designed to enhance anti-corruption compliance.
The Port Integrity Campaign is set to officially launch on January 1, 2025, with the long-term vision of replicating its successes in Port Klang across other Malaysian ports. The initiative signifies a vital step toward creating a fair and transparent maritime industry in Malaysia, offering a promising future for both local agents and the larger shipping community. Through concerted effort and stakeholder collaboration, the campaign seeks to drive meaningful change, ensuring integrity and accountability in maritime operations throughout the region.
