Factors contributing to the imbalances of cargo flows in Malaysia large-scale minor ports using a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) approach
Mohammad Khairuddin Othman, Noorul Shaiful Fitri Abdul Rahman, Alisha Ismail, A.H. Saharuddin
Abstract
Malaysian ports have been recording imbalances in cargo flows year after year, whether in the form of a deficit or surplus, and the condition is becoming significant. As such, it has raised concerns among port stakeholders about the impact of such a situation on the sustainability of port operations, as well as questions about the actual reasons behind the occurrence, which is still ambiguous with regard to large-scale minor ports in Malaysia. This study was aimed at identifying the main factors that are contributing to the imbalanced cargo flows at large-scale minor ports in Malaysia by ranking all the possible factors using a systematic decision-making technique known as FAHP. The results showed that “economic factors” are the main contributors to these imbalances, followed by several other factors. This study contributes a clear insight into the main factors that are causing the imbalances in cargo flows at large-scale minor ports in Malaysia. Also, it may assist decision-makers and policymakers in identifying the key factors that are affecting business operations at these ports as well as guide them into using a systematic analytical approach like the FAHP to evaluate other situations with regard to the business, operations and management of ports, where applicable.