KUALA KEDAH, Nov 4 — Technology Depository Agency Berhad (TDA), through the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), has recorded a 100 per cent certification success rate for 65 maritime workers, while recognising the participation of 10 local companies in the Kuala Kedah Passenger, Cargo and Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Terminal development project.

The achievement marks a milestone in TDA’s efforts to ensure that strategic government procurement generates long-term benefits through skills development, industry participation and the strengthening of local capabilities.

All 65 participants successfully obtained the Mate Domestic (Open) Certificate, with the certificates presented by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook during the Maritime Competency Recognition and Local Company Empowerment Ceremony at the Kuala Kedah Passenger Jetty Terminal on November 2.

The ceremony was also attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Ministry of Transport Secretary-General Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan and TDA Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Rafidi Mat Dahan.

The certification represents the first milestone under the ICP initiative, “Future-Ready Seafarers Through Professional Certificates and Competency Programme for Domestic and International Maritime Standard”, implemented in collaboration with Sunissa Sdn Bhd, the ICP provider for the Kuala Kedah terminal project.

Transport Minister Loke said the development of skilled maritime personnel must progress alongside infrastructure improvements and greater participation by Malaysian companies.

“The maritime industry requires a competent workforce and a strong ecosystem of local companies capable of meeting operational standards. Through the ICP, government procurement can be translated into skills development, knowledge transfer and more meaningful industry participation,” he said.

In his officiating address, Loke also emphasised that infrastructure development alone was insufficient without a competent workforce, adherence to safety standards and operational discipline.

He highlighted the benefits of the Mate Domestic (Open) qualification, which provides a broader scope of competency than the Mate Domestic (Limited) certificate, allowing qualified operators to undertake maritime activities across Malaysian waters, subject to the Marine Department Malaysia’s regulations.

The qualification allows fishermen and boat operators to develop their skills, explore wider employment opportunities and potentially increase their income.

The 65 participants comprised members of the Kuala Muda Fishermen’s Association, Kuala Kedah Fishermen’s Association and Pantai Merdeka Boat Operators’ Association.

Training was conducted by Polaris Maritime Training Academy Sdn Bhd, a training centre recognised by the Marine Department Malaysia, across three sessions in Alor Setar in February, April and June 2026.

TDA Chief Executive Officer Mohamad Rafidi Mat Dahan said the achievement demonstrated how the ICP translates government procurement commitments into tangible outcomes for Malaysian industries and communities.

“This recognition signifies more than the completion of a training programme. It demonstrates how collaboration among the Government, implementing agencies, training providers, and industry can systematically build local capability. TDA will continue to ensure that strategic procurement delivers competencies, capacity and enduring value,” he said.

Beyond maritime competency development, the ICP also supports the participation of Malaysian companies in the Kuala Kedah terminal project’s supply chain.

Ten local companies were recognised during the ceremony, reflecting the programme’s focus on developing local industry.

Under the project’s localisation and subcontracting component, Malaysian companies participate in activities including machinery rental, soil investigation, marine and onshore piling, construction-material supply, building systems and electrical works.

Their involvement is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities, facilitate knowledge and technology transfer, and create opportunities for local businesses to participate in larger infrastructure projects.

The Kuala Kedah RoRo Terminal project, valued at RM245.468 million, commenced in April 2024 and has an implementation period extending to September 2027.

Upon completion, the upgraded terminal is expected to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers, compared with approximately 800 previously, and allow three large passenger vessels to berth simultaneously.

As an agency under the Minister of Finance Incorporated, TDA facilitates and monitors the implementation of Malaysia’s ICP, ensuring that strategic government procurement delivers measurable and sustainable value through industrial capacity building, human capital development and technology transfer.

The Kuala Kedah initiative demonstrates how infrastructure investment can be leveraged to develop a more capable maritime workforce while creating opportunities for Malaysian businesses to strengthen their participation in the national supply chain.

For further information on TDA and the Industrial Collaboration Programme, visit www.tda.my.