LABUAN-BASED SAILION GROUP BAGS CONTRACT TO HANDLE INTERNATIONAL CRUISE

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, March 10 (Bernama) -- Sailion Shipping Sdn Bhd (Sailion Group), a Labuan-based shipping firm, has secured a contract to handle an international cruise, Crystal Symphony, on its Asian tour.

 Its chief executive officer Datuk Seri Patrick Tiong said the contract would involve handling clearance for customs and immigration.

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He said this is a historic feat and a testament to Malaysian shipping companies' capability in the international arena. 

“It is crucial to discharge the duties diligently and efficiently to enable trust from international clients,” he told Bernama.

Tiong said the group’s previous successes would include handling other cruise liners, namely Westerdam and Diamond Princess, at Malaysian ports.

He also underscored the significance of this accomplishment for Malaysia's tourism sector. 

He said the first two cruises managed by Sailion Group brought thousands of foreign tourists to Malaysian ports, including Port Klang, Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu.

“Our involvement in international cruise line handling aligns with the government's aspirations of having more Malaysian companies make waves internationally, thereby enhancing Malaysia's global image,” he said.

Furthermore, Tiong said Sailion Group's sister company, Megah Port Management Sdn Bhd, is ready to collaborate in handling international cruises. 

However, he pointed out a challenge faced by the Labuan port jetty's capacity.

"Looking at the capacity of the Labuan port jetty, it is unable to receive huge and long cruises, and we hope the government will look into this matter," he said.

Sailion Group, with branches at all major ports nationwide, remains committed to furthering Malaysia's presence in the international shipping industry. 

-- BERNAMA