KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia should strengthen its pool of local seafarers to reduce reliance on foreign crew and sustain the nation's maritime competitiveness, says a top maritime industry executive.

Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy said misconceptions about life at sea, including long voyages, isolation, and rough conditions, continue to deter Malaysians from joining the maritime profession.

This, he said, was despite its global exposure, attractive pay and clear career progression.

"Unlike a regular 9-to-5 job, seafaring involves round-the-clock shifts and months away from home. Many young people value work-life balance, so they overlook the long-term rewards," he said.

Jeyenderan said industry players should collaborate with training institutions and port authorities to promote maritime careers through outreach programmes, open days, and cadet sponsorships.

"We (Maritime Network) sponsor cadetships and internships to ensure hands-on training and to show that maritime work is a lifelong career pathway, not just a job," he said.

He was commenting on a report quoting Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who highlighted that nearly 40 per cent of ship crews in Malaysia are foreigners and urged more local shipping companies to support the Malaysian Maritime Academy (Alam) through sponsorships and practical placements.

Jeyenderan said Maritime Network has trained more than 120 cadets across deck, engine, and shore-based programmes, with women comprising about 20 to 25 per cent of recent intakes, a positive sign towards gender balance in the sector.

He added that professional seafarers must master navigation and engineering technologies, including the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), voyage planning and preventive maintenance…

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