By MMT MPC
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April 11, 2025
The discussion chaired by Puan Saliza Saari and centered on the MAKIPLAGO Harbor project which introduces a visionary new trade ecosystem grounded in the cultural, logistical, and commercial strengths of the Malay Archipelago (Nusantara) region, with strategic bases in Malaysia and China. The project aims to blend commerce, tourism, halal industry development, and digital innovation into a unified, omnichannel platform referred to as the M-Platform. The concept was internationally recognized, winning innovation awards in Singapore and China, and is backed by strategic partnerships, including with MITI and global industry players. The ecosystem centers around Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) in Malaysia and Caofeidian Port in China, enabling seamless cross-border trade, barter systems, and real-time transactions, supported by integrated systems such as customs, warehousing, logistics, and halal certification. A major emphasis of the project is on halal trade and Muslim-friendly industries, including halal food, cosmetics, Islamic finance, modest fashion, and wellness. The goal is to establish Malaysia as a global halal trade and logistics hub, leveraging Malaysia’s reputation as a moderate Muslim nation and strategic location. MAKIPLAGO Harbor also aims to revitalize urban zones in Kuala Lumpur, transforming areas into vibrant trade and tourism hubs through cultural centers, themed museums, halal retail clusters, gourmet zones, and wellness facilities. The project anticipates attracting millions of tourists, thousands of merchants, and creating over 250,000 high-income jobs, while stimulating RM1 trillion in economic value. The platform incorporates a wide spectrum of retail, education, healthcare, digital commerce, and co-working infrastructure, creating a space for SMEs, global brands, government agencies, and entrepreneurs to co-develop new markets. It is designed to be inclusive and export-driven, connecting over 25 countries and 500 million people across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Ultimately, the MAKIPLAGO Harbor initiative positions Kuala Lumpur—and by extension, Malaysia—as a central node in the global halal economy, offering a multi-dimensional platform for trade, investment, cultural diplomacy, and productivity-driven growth. Moving forward, a deep dive session will be organized with all key priority subsectors to gather industry feedback, with the aim of driving productivity improvements among MSMEs. Attendees from Makiplago Sdn Bhd 1. Dato' Dr Radzak Malek 2. Datuk Dr. Muhamad Farid Saad 3. Dr. Hisham Ismail 4. Haji Baharudin 5. Mr. Jamaluddin Ibrahim 6. Mr. Steve Gan 7. Mr. Habibullah Khong 8. Mr. Mohd Bahari Baharudin 9. Ms. Tan Peh Tin 10. Ms. Teah kok keong