PORT OF TANJUNG PELEPAS, JOHOR PORT AUTHORITY AND YAYASAN PEMBANGUNAN KELUARGA DARUL TA’ZIM LAUNCH RATU PROGRAMME TO HELP UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN GROUP

ISKANDAR PUTERI, 24 March 2025 – Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), a joint venture between MMC Group and APM Terminals, partnered with Johor Port Authority (JPA) and Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’zim (YPKDT) to launch RATU, a dedicated women’s empowerment programme aimed at uplifting underprivileged women.

The programme was officially launched at Wisma PTP on 20 March 2025, by Johor Women, Family and Community Development Committee Chairwoman, YB Hajah Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On. She was joined by PTP Chief Financial Officer, Syahrul Nazri Mohd Sai’on; alongside by YPKDT Chief Executive Officer, Noor Faezah Md Esa and JPA Board Member, Ts. Dr. Mohd Zuhan Mohd Zain. 

YB Hajah Khairin-Nisa praised the collaboration between PTP, JPA and YPKDT, describing it as a strategic partnership focused on creating lasting impact for the community, particularly the underprivileged women group across Johor.

“I am confident and optimistic that this synergy between PTP, JPA and YPKDT will not only enhance the impact and sustainability of corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, but also serve as a catalyst for continued initiatives that transform lives, shaping a more progressive and inclusive society,” she remarked.

Reflecting on the programme’s aspirations, she said: “RATU, in Bahasa Malaysia, stands for the acronym R for Rintis (Pioneer), A for Aspirasi (Aspiration), T for Tegar (Resilient), and U for Unggul (Superior). As implied in the name RATU, we hope to see the women who receive this support rise beyond the B40 category and step forward as future leaders in entrepreneurship.” 

“As PTP celebrates its 25th anniversary and JPA its 50th this year, launching such a meaningful CSR programme in conjunction with these milestones is truly commendable. I take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to PTP and JPA. May both organisations continue to elevate Johor and Malaysia on the global stage, while remaining steadfast in their commitments to community development,” she added.

JPA Chairman, (Dr.) Haji Rosnan Fathlal, conveyed his heartfelt thanks to YB Hajah Khairin-Nisa, and emphasised: “As the regulatory authority overseeing one of Malaysia’s most vital maritime gateways, JPA recognises the importance of fostering socio-economic development alongside industrial growth. Our commitment extends beyond port operations, as we actively support initiatives in education, training and community development, particularly those in need.”

“Our collaboration with PTP has long been established, and we are pleased to join hands with YPKDT in this meaningful endeavour. By working together, we are able to create a more significant and lasting impact, ensuring that underprivileged women across Johor receive the necessary support and opportunities to achieve financial independence and sustainable livelihoods.”

PTP Chairman, Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, also expressed his appreciation to YB Hajah Khairin-Nisa, and in his written remarks, stated: “As a responsible corporate citizen, the well-being of the community in which PTP operates always remains close to our heart. Each year, PTP actively engages in various CSR initiatives, working in partnership with government agencies to create meaningful and lasting improvements for those around us.”

“As part of PTP’s CSR framework, our Harapan Lestari pillar is specifically dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. This newly launched RATU initiative focuses on tailored upskilling programmes designed to uplift the socio-economic wellbeing of participants from Gelang Patah, Iskandar Puteri, Johor Bahru and Pasir Gudang. We are proud to welcome our inaugural cohort of 30 participants, comprising individuals from the B40 group, including single mothers and those facing financial hardship.”

“PTP remains steadfast in advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as a core component of our environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda. Beyond the RATU initiative, we also align with Ekonomi Madani’s aspirations to increase female participation in the workforce. It is a privilege to witness the tangible progress we have made, as PTP is home to Malaysia’s first female marine harbour pilot and first rubbertyred gantry (RTG) crane operator, alongside a growing number of female prime mover drivers. Our proactive efforts to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workforce reaffirm our commitment to empowering women within the workplace,” he added.

On the collaboration, Noor Faezah remarked: “YPKDT has long been instrumental in strengthening family institutions, supporting vulnerable communities and advancing social development across the state of Johor. We are delighted to find like-minded partners such as PTP and JPA, who share our vision. I truly believe this collaboration is a perfect synergy, as we join hands to provide upskilling opportunities for underprivileged women across Johor, empowering them to build a more sustainable future for themselves and their families.”

In 2024, PTP became the first container terminal in Malaysia to handle over 12 million TEUs in a single year. This accomplishment is part of a sustained performance, with PTP consistently exceeding one million TEUs per month for seven consecutive months since May 2024, solidifying its position as a key player in the global maritime industry.

PTP is currently ranked the fifth most efficient container port in the world, according to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023 by The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence; PTP is also ranked 15th among the world’s top container ports in volume throughput, as reported by Lloyd’s List 2023.

Beyond its business and operational achievements, PTP remains deeply committed to the well-being of the communities in which it operates. Since its inception in 2000, PTP has upheld a strong ethos of giving back, structured around three core pillars under its CSR framework: Eco Lestari for environmental preservation, Harapan Lestari for talent development and Kasih Lestari for community engagement. As of 2024, PTP has successfully carried out 19 initiatives under these pillars, benefitting a total of 2,120 individuals.