kuala lumpur: Port Dickson, a well-known beach spot in Negeri Sembilan, has the ecosystem and competitive potential that rivals Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand as a local yacht destination.
Furthermore, given the strategic location near Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), this popular beach destination provides the ideal environment for developing a full-service marina built on international standards.
Such facilities are well-positioned to attract megayachts and superyachts from around the world, enhancing their appeal as Port Dickson’s finest maritime hub.
Patrick Theira, director of Platinum Charters Sdn Bhd, said Port Dickson is also a suitable destination for hosting international yacht and boat events.
“Creating a balanced ecosystem means Port Dickson could thrive as a hub of marine activity. For example, if you look at places like Phuket, each marina will accommodate between 100 and 150 yachts or boats.
“It’s kind of vision I have for Port Dickson. I want to establish it as a reliable stopover point for yachts and sailing enthusiasts. It’s a place where owners can safely leave the boat for years, knowing they are well cared for.
“The convenient ones are unparalleled. Yacht owners can store their boats in Port Dickson and pop out through the KLIA. Once back, it’s a short 45-minute drive back to the boat. From there you’ll be free to chart the courses on the water, whether on the water, or in the Andaman Sea.
“It’s a strategic location that opens countless sailings and with the right ecosystem in place, Port Dickson can position himself as the best destination for the international yachting community,” he said. Sunvis.
Patrick said Port Dickson is strategically positioned at the heart of the region’s maritime routes, offering both convenience and exceptional value.
Unlike established hubs such as Phuket, where marina rates can reach $2 per foot per day, this means a 100-foot yacht will bear the cost of $200 (RM900) per day. Port Dickson offers a much more affordable alternative.
Patrick said: “Here in Malaysia, the interest rate is about RM3 per foot, translated to RM300 per day on similarly sized vessels. This important cost advantage provides a clear opportunity for Port Dickson to appear as a competitive player in the marine industry.
“While Phuket has made significant use of its high fees and robust infrastructure, generating substantial revenues from yacht parking and marine services, Port Dickson remains relatively untapped.
“By developing a world-class marina ecosystem that meets international standards, Port Dickson can transform into a thriving maritime hub, which stimulates the region’s economic growth and positions it as a serious candidate for the region’s marine tourism and logistics sector.”
Patrick said the problem with the existing domestic marina was that it was built solely as a marina without focusing on key support systems, particularly engineering and hardstanding anchorages.
“What we lack is the proper MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) facilities. This is common in aviation, but equally essential for boats. We are trying to develop this in Port Dickson, but building a specialized engineering team is very expensive.
“Port Dickson has its advantages. The proximity to KLIA means that parts are easily imported and logistics are more affordable. However, Phuket has a well-developed yacht restoration ecosystem with lifting cranes, Chandl service and modern shipyards.
“Port Dickson lacks infrastructure and knowledge. Locally, these experts and merchants are lacking in supply and usually require imports from Thailand or Singapore. If the operation is in a location like Ramt, Port Dickson is the perfect place to ultimately establish a proper ecosystem.”
Patrick highlighted two types of marina anchorages known as hard stands – BERTHING and LAND BERTHING.
Hard stands are important for long-term storage as constant exposure to salt water causes the boat to accelerate wear by keeping it in water.
Currently, Hardstand facilities are only available at Rebak Marina and Pangkor in Langkawi.
Patrick noted that certain policymakers, particularly at the state level, do not recognize the true economic potential of developing Port Dickson into the best marine hub.
He said that the marine industry provides Malaysia with a substantial sustainable revenue stream, but that remains a valuation below.
“As yachts and boats are brought to Port Dickson and the region evolves into a recognized maritime hub, it naturally increases the number of foreign visitors and investors. This influx will not only boost tourism, but also stimulate the region’s rapid and widespread economic growth.”
Patrick emphasized that the ripple effects of such developments go far beyond the marine sector alone.
For example, the real estate market experiences an increase in demand as the region becomes more attractive in both residential and commercial investments. Similarly, the engineering and marine services industry will grow as demand for maintenance, repair and related technical expertise increases.
“Most importantly, this growth will create meaningful employment opportunities for the community, promote skills development and contribute to long-term socioeconomic stability. In short, building Port Dickson at a thriving marine destination could transform the region into Malaysia’s dynamic economic engine,” Patrick said.
Patrick added that one of the major challenges Port Dickson faces as a maritime hub is lack of support from the government, which remains a significant obstacle.
“But we hope that the government will ultimately recognize the maritime sector as a viable and valuable industry, which can contribute significantly to the national economy.
“Unfortunately, government attention is now largely limited to established destinations and Langkawi appears to be recognized as a go-to place for cruising, but Malacca is preferred due to its historical significance. These areas are clearly argued in tourism and development strategies, leaving most rooms for other promising locations like Port Dickson.
“This limited focus has inadvertently suppressed opportunities for growth elsewhere. If tourism planners and government agencies broaden their perspectives and recognize their potential as a Marine Corps destination in Port Dickson, it could unlock many possibilities.
“With proper support and strategic investment, Port Dickson will transform into a vibrant hub for marine activities, bringing economic benefits, job creation and enhanced local tourism appeal,” Patrick said.
Platinum Charters manages boats for owners and currently targets young high net individuals (HNWIs) under the age of 40, but many of this group are still new to the industry.
Patrick pointed out that local HNWIs dislike the sun and prefer to keep their yachts in Europe.
“Even Malaysian owners often paint yachts overseas. Locally, boat owners want to visit at least regularly every month.
“Local HNWIs tend to spend on luxury cars and nightlife, allowing them to stay in clubs for one night. Platinum is working to shift this mindset, and yachts offer similar entertainment, such as private karaoke, but have experience in privacy and sailing, Patrick said.
The cost of an entry-level yacht is approximately US$500,000 (approximately Rm 2 million). The boats below this threshold are cruisers and are suitable for around 12 people.
True yachts start at 60 feet, but superyachts over 100 feet require significant maintenance costs. Management alone covers Belsing, crew and maintenance every month from RM200,000 to RM300,000.
Patrick said he could afford this level and would remain disposable income rather than investment. Platinum helps owners offset some costs, but revenues usually only cover maintenance rather than full returns.
“The advantages of Port Dickson lie not only in its location but also in its potential. Most marinas usually accommodate around 50-80 bartongs a month, which is suitable for the needs of the current industry. In fact, many marinas are underutilized.
“The right infrastructure and ecosystem will enable Port Dickson to become a major destination for the marine industry, supporting growth and providing much-needed capabilities in the region,” he said.
