Selection of the most practical Malaysian port for enhancing the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park business trade

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the methodology for the selection of the most practical Malaysian port for enhancing the Malaysia‐China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) business trade. A selection is conducted using a combination decision‐making method of analytical hierarchy process and evidential reasoning methods by considering five criteria namely: 1) distance; 2) journey time; 3) bunker cost; 4) port facilities; 5) distribution centre. A case study is constructed accordingly, whereby Shanghai Port has selected as a main port in China and four alternatives Malaysian ports namely: 1) Kuantan Port; 2) Johor Port; 3) Port Tanjung Pelepas; 4) Port Klang will be examined. The result shows that Kuantan Port is the most practical port for enhancing the MCKIP business trade compared to others hub ports in Malaysia. It is capable of helping China shipping liners enjoys the high cost saving for cargoes loading and discharging processes.