DHL Express has launched an expanded Kuala Lumpur Gateway facility to strengthen support for Malaysia’s import and export businesses, responding to a surge in international trade.
Representing a landmark RM300 million investment, this new facility is the company’s largest investment in Malaysia to date and forms a key part of its strategy to enhance intra-Asia connectivity.
Spanning 13,422 square metres, the enhanced facility is three times larger than its predecessor and stands as the first in Southeast Asia with a fully automated sorting system.
Its two-kilometre conveyor belt and high-speed scanning capabilities allow DHL to process shipments four times faster, achieving a peak throughput of 10,000 items per hour. This enables accelerated transit times and significantly reduces delivery windows.
Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific at DHL Express, stated, “We are on a well-planned track to continuously strengthen our network in robust economies. Malaysia’s rising cargo volumes show massive potential, especially as it gains prominence as a preferred omni-sourcing destination.
“The Kuala Lumpur Gateway enables our customers to maximise import and export opportunities, particularly in high-demand trade lanes such as the United States, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.”
According to Malaysia’s Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, who attended the inauguration, the facility underscores the growth potential of Malaysia’s logistics sector. “In 2023, Malaysia jumped 15 places in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, ranking 26th and among the best in ASEAN,” he said. “This expansion strengthens our role in global supply chains and supports long-term growth in courier services.”
Strategically located at KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1, the facility is connected to DHL’s Central Asia and South Asia Hubs by two dedicated aircraft. This makes the gateway a pivotal link for goods moving between Malaysia’s Klang Valley and global markets, where Kuala Lumpur and Selangor alone contribute significant trade values—RM3.3 billion in exports and RM7 billion in imports as recently as August 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia.
Security and sustainability were primary considerations in the gateway’s design. Certified with TAPA Class A airfreight security standards, the facility is equipped with over 400 CCTV cameras, 24-hour surveillance, and advanced X-ray screening.
Compliance with the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme further reinforces its security framework.
Aligned with DHL Group’s carbon-neutral guidelines, the facility integrates green technologies like 500-kilowatt solar panels, smart LED lighting, and efficient water and energy systems. With electric vehicles for onsite logistics, the gateway has achieved LEED certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable operations.
Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, expressed confidence in the new gateway’s capacity to meet the evolving needs of cross-border shipping. “This upgrade demonstrates our commitment to flexibility, agility, and resilience in supply chain solutions. The larger facility will enhance accessibility and extend our footprint across over 220 countries worldwide.”
The facility, now part of DHL Express Malaysia’s extensive network including 20 service centres and about 170 retail points, was officially opened today by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, with Anthony Loke and approximately 400 industry leaders in attendance.
