MUAR – His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, officially inaugurated the Maharani Freeport in Muar, Johor, on Friday, 29 November.
The launch, held at the Maharani Energy Gateway (MEG) complex in Tanjung Emas, marked the commencement of operations for what is described as a critical national infrastructure project.
Developed entirely through a private-sector initiative by Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd, the deep-sea port complex has received extensive backing and support from both the Federal Government and the Johor State Government, underscoring its strategic importance to the country’s economic future.
The Freeport is positioned along the congested Straits of Malacca, one of the world’s most vital waterways for global oil shipping. Its location within the Muar Port limits grants it a competitive advantage.
A key feature of the new port is its impressive natural deep-water access, which exceeds 24 metres.
This exceptional depth ensures that the facility is capable of handling the world’s largest oil tankers, known as Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), thereby significantly enhancing Malaysia’s capacity to manage large-scale trade and energy logistics.
Recognised formally as a national project, the Maharani Freeport is set to play a pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s long-term ambitions across trade, energy security, and economic expansion. It is envisioned as a central hub that will attract substantial international investment.
In the long run, projections indicate that the massive infrastructure initiative is expected to attract a staggering RM144 billion in investments from global financiers and companies.
This influx of capital is forecast to generate significant economic multiplier effects, benefiting not just the state of Johor but the wider Malaysian economy.
The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was among the high-ranking government officials present to witness the official launch by His Majesty.
Also gracing the significant ceremony was HRH Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, demonstrating the deep involvement of the Johor Royal Family in the state’s developmental milestones.
Other members of the Johor Royal Family in attendance included HH Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Panglima Johor, and HH Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Putera Johor.
The King was officially received upon his arrival at the complex by Dato’ Dr. Daing A Malek Daing A Rahaman, the Executive Chairman of Maharani Energy Gateway Sdn Bhd.
A robust delegation of federal and state officials was present, highlighting the project’s cross-jurisdictional importance.
This included Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
State leadership was well represented by Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi, President of the Johor Council of The Royal Court Dato’ Dr. Abdul Rahim Ramli, and Johor State Secretary Dato’ Asman Shah Abd Rahman.
The presence of Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh further highlighted the regional economic impact of the new deep-sea facility located on the border between the two states.
