With over two decades of experience at MASkargo, Mohd Zulkefly Ujang, the carrier’s Head of Operations, has seen the company’s relentless focus on enhancing operations as new opportunities arose.

“Central to MASkargo’s operational prowess is their state-of-the-art facilities, where infrastructure is critical in handling diverse commodities safely and efficiently,” he explained.

“MASkargo’s terminals are equipped with cutting-edge automation and mechanisation dating back to 1998, underscoring our longstanding commitment to technological advancement. The fully automated systems ensure precision and reliability round the clock.”

With a portfolio encompassing over 40 airlines, MASkargo understands the criticality of timely cargo delivery, with commitments to have cargo ready for collection within 48 hours of arrival. MASkargo’s comprehensive tracking system allows customers to track their cargo from anywhere, at any time.

“The success of MASkargo lies not only in their ability to deliver on their promises consistently but also in our proactive approach to addressing challenges. In our industry, reliability and efficiency are non-negotiable. Through a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, rigorous training, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we continue to set a standard for air cargo operations.”

Growing with global trade

While nestled between two major global airfreight hubs, Thailand and Singapore, Malaysia and MASkargo have experienced remarkable growth, propelled by robust trade volumes and extensive connectivity provided by more than 60 airlines that operate into Malaysian airports (via Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 & 2).

The strategic significance of MASkargo’s hub location becomes apparent in its role as a vital conduit for both imports and exports.

“Against the backdrop of Malaysia’s location and burgeoning industries, such as semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, MASkargo remains poised to capitalise on emerging trade opportunities,” Zulkefly explained.

“The surge in e-commerce, coupled with the country’s unique geographical divide between East and West, underscores the importance of efficient logistics and seamless cargo transfer.”

With its positioning, despite financial hurdles and restructuring in 2017, MASkargo has remained committed to serving as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s burgeoning economy.

Central to MASkargo’s evolution is its sophisticated facility, designed to handle diverse cargo types efficiently, with the carrier having continuously invested in it, allocating more than 100 million Malaysia Ringgit (£16.6 million) towards upgrading equipment and controls. This infusion of resources not only modernised operations but also ensured resilience.

“We are investing a lot in improving our cargo processing capabilities, including developing a new export build-up area for freight forwarders because there is a lot of economic activity happening,” Zulkefly explained. “The airfreight sector has historically relied heavily on manual processes, being inherently labour-intensive. However, there has been a pivotal shift towards automation.

“Efforts in automation extend beyond physical operations to documentation and compliance, ensuring adherence to industry standards.

“These systems streamline processes, providing real-time insights and metrics crucial for operational efficiency, increasing customer satisfaction and giving insights for tactical and strategic decisions.

“Moreover, MASkargo prioritises security measures, aligning with international mandates for X-ray screening. Investment in advanced X-ray machines with artificial intelligence capabilities underscores the commitment to enhance screening accuracy and efficiency while mitigating operational bottlenecks caused by manual inspection processes.”

Intermodal approach and opportunity

The operational focus has shifted to intermodal transportation, particularly in trucking. MASkargo has partnered with logistics specialists to tap into the trucking market, capitalising on the popularity of road transport, especially in regions like Penang, a significant export hub with limited air freight connectivity.

Additionally, there is a growing demand for trucking services to Singapore, given its superior connectivity to destinations like the US.

“MASkargo is exploring opportunities in first and last-mile delivery, particularly in the burgeoning e-commerce sector,” Zulkefly highlighted.

“While traditionally focused on business-to-business transactions, the company is now venturing into business-to-consumer arrangements, aiming to capture a broader market share while maintaining its core clientele in the commercial and government sectors.”

Likewise, the rapid evolution of technology presents both opportunities and challenges. While cutting-edge solutions may offer specialised tools that are enticing, such as drone technology, MASkargo must explore how to integrate innovation into its wider mission.

“MASkargo emphasises practicality and reliability. Investing in widely accepted, technically sound approaches ensure operational efficiency without overcommitting to experimental ideas.

“Rather than chasing the latest trends, we are focused on pragmatic solutions that align with our operational needs and the goals of our customers.”

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