Tasek Cement shifts to rail transport in Malaysia logistics push

Malaysia-based Tasek Cement has commenced rail-based cement transportation from its Ipoh plant to Johor Bahru, marking its first use of rail logistics, according to a March 31 Linkedin post by rail operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd.

The inaugural shipment moved 840 mt of cement via KTMB's cargo rail network to the Pasir Gudang area in Johor, using 31 wagons for distribution across Johor Bahru and surrounding regions.

The initiative supports Malaysia's "Road to Rail" policy, with each train run expected to replace at least 31 heavy-duty trucks per day, helping to ease road congestion, improve safety and reduce carbon emissions, KTMB said.

Multiple Southeast Asia-based market participants said the shift toward rail logistics could improve efficiency in cement distribution across Peninsular Malaysia, particularly for long-haul deliveries between northern production hubs and southern consumption centers.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed ASTM type I cement at $38/mt FOB Vietnam on April 2, unchanged from the previous week. Platts also assessed cement clinker at $34/mt FOB Vietnam, stable week over week.