GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Port Commission (PPC) has stepped up efforts to ensure sustainable port operations by introducing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing ship-generated waste at Penang Port.
The move, which supports the country’s green port agenda, follows PPC’s initiative to license ship waste management activities since 2021.
In a statement today, PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the SOP was developed to ensure uniformity, legal compliance and efficiency in waste handling processes, with safety and environmental cleanliness as top priorities.
“As the regulator of Penang Port, we are committed to enhancing governance in waste management.
“This SOP ensures that all licensed operators adhere to best practices while supporting our long-term goal of environmental sustainability,” he said.
Yeoh said the SOP was formulated through a series of engagement sessions involving key stakeholders, including the Customs Department, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) – the appointed port operator – licensed waste management firms for 2025 and shipping companies.
He said the Customs Department played a crucial role in approving operations within its jurisdiction, while PPSB ensured that only PPC-licensed companies were allowed to conduct waste management activities within port areas.
Yeoh expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in the SOP development and reaffirmed PPC’s commitment to ensuring full compliance among licensed operators.
“With the strong cooperation of PPSB and other stakeholders, PPC will continue to uphold the integrity of port operations and the preservation of the environment,” he added.
The SOP is expected to streamline ship waste management activities while reinforcing the port’s position as a model for sustainability in the region.
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