Malaysian companies have the capabilities to conduct subsea cable repairs, insists the Malaysia Shipowners’ Association .
He said the companies have over 40 years’ experience in cable repair and cable link but unfortunately sought opportunities in other countries like Indonesia and registered their vessels there as they could not secure such business in Malaysia. The exemption, which was revoked on Nov 15, previously allowed foreign companies and vessels to carry out repair works on submarine cables without the need to apply for a domestic shipping licensing exemption.
Abdul Hak stressed that the revocation would not create a monopoly for Malaysian companies, as foreign companies would still be allowed to work in the country.