DHL Express expands KL Gateway for faster global shipping

DHL Express has launched an upgraded Kuala Lumpur Gateway to strengthen Malaysia’s export and import capabilities.

This RM300 million expansion, DHL’s largest local investment, reflects its commitment to supporting the nation’s growing international trade and boosting intra-Asia connectivity.

Located at the KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1, the new facility offers a threefold increase in size and advanced automation, accelerating processing for faster global deliveries.

The enhanced Kuala Lumpur Gateway, spanning 13,422 square metres, is now the largest in Malaysia and the first in Southeast Asia with a fully automated sorting system.

With a two-kilometre conveyor and high-speed scanning, it can now process up to 10,000 shipments per hour, four times faster than before.

DHL supporting Malaysia’s role in global trade

This upgrade solidifies Malaysia’s position in global supply chains, particularly in light of the country’s rise in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, where it moved up 15 places to 26th in 2023.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook expressed his support, noting, “The Kuala Lumpur Gateway expansion is a vote of confidence in our logistics sector, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a critical trade hub in ASEAN.”

The Kuala Lumpur Gateway connects seamlessly with DHL’s hubs across Central and South Asia through two dedicated aircraft, facilitating efficient trade flows between Malaysia and other markets.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor play a substantial role, with their trade value contributing RM3.3 billion in exports and RM7 billion in imports in August 2024 alone.

DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO Ken Lee highlighted the benefits of this expansion, saying, “The Kuala Lumpur Gateway enables our customers to better leverage import and export opportunities, particularly through key trade lanes including the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.”

Focus on security and sustainability

Security remains a top priority at DHL’s new facility, certified with TAPA Class A and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) standards.

Equipped with over 400 CCTV cameras, 24-hour surveillance, and advanced X-ray screening, the gateway provides optimal protection for goods in transit.

The facility also upholds DHL’s environmental commitments.

Built as a carbon-neutral facility, it features green technologies, including a 500-kilowatt solar power system, energy-efficient water and lighting, and electric vehicles like forklifts and scooters.

With these features, the Kuala Lumpur Gateway has earned LEED certification, a globally recognised green building standard.

DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei Managing Director Julian Neo shared the company’s vision: “Our upgraded Kuala Lumpur Gateway showcases our dedication to providing faster, more flexible logistics solutions.

This investment strengthens our capacity to serve customers across more than 220 countries and territories.”

The facility’s opening ceremony, officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and attended by key industry partners, marks a new chapter for Malaysia’s logistics sector.

With over 1,300 employees, DHL Express Malaysia now operates five aviation and ground facilities, alongside 20 service centres and more than 60 weekly flights.

DHL Express’s expanded Kuala Lumpur Gateway stands as a major milestone, poised to drive Malaysia’s trade, efficiency, and environmental goals forward.