Daiso’s largest global distribution centre in Pulau Indah a vote of confidence in Malaysia, says Anwar

Anwar said such investments reflected Malaysia’s ability to leverage its strategic location, established port infrastructure and skilled workforce to attract companies looking to strengthen their global supply chains. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By Keertan Ayamany

First Published: Thursday, 05 Nov 2026 1:58 PM MYT

PORT KLANG, Nov 5 — The decision by Japanese retail giant Daiso to establish its largest global distribution centre (GDC) in Pulau Indah, Selangor, reflects international confidence in Malaysia’s economic stability, infrastructure and long-term potential, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.

Anwar said such investments reflected Malaysia’s ability to leverage its strategic location, established port infrastructure and skilled workforce to attract companies looking to strengthen their global supply chains.

“Most of you present here, and I am sure many Malaysians, have possibly bought something from Daiso: a measuring cup, a storage box, a piece of stationery.

“But behind those low prices is one of the most complex supply chains in retail.

“So when a company like Daiso chooses Pulau Indah here for its largest GDC worldwide, it must certainly convey a profound message about the company and about this country.

“It is a resounding vote of confidence in Malaysia’s economic stability, infrastructure maturity and long-term potential,” he said at the GDC’s opening ceremony here.

Anwar, who noted that Port Klang ranked among the world’s 10 busiest container ports after handling a record 15.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, said the GDC would enable goods arriving from around the world to be sorted, stored and repacked in Pulau Indah before being distributed to international markets.

He added that the GDC would allow Malaysia to capture a greater share of the value generated by global trade, rather than merely serve as a transit hub for cargo.

“A GDC like this is built around our ports, roads and people, and once it becomes part of a global supply chain, it stays for the long haul,” he said.

Anwar said the federal government was continuing to strengthen the country’s logistics ecosystem through investments in port, rail and air cargo infrastructure.

These include Westports II, which is expected to nearly double the port’s current capacity, and the proposed megaport in Pulau Carey, Selangor.

“Now, in many ways, this GDC is a microcosm of Malaysia’s trade story.

“Goods arrive from around the world, gain value on Malaysia’s shores and leave for markets far beyond.

“The Straits of Malacca have steered commercial flows for centuries. Our ambition is to expand it across land, sea and air to make Malaysia a world-class logistics hub,” he said.

He also commended Daiso for completing the new GDC ahead of schedule and below budget, describing it as an example of effective collaboration between the private sector and Malaysia’s public service.

Also present was Daiso Industries Co Ltd president and chief executive Seiji Yano.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Daiso’s decision to locate its GDC near Port Klang demonstrated the National Transport Policy in action and highlighted the strategic importance of the country’s maritime and overland transport infrastructure.

“Daiso’s decision to build the largest logistics hub in the company’s history in Pulau Indah carries tremendous significance.

“It sends an unequivocal signal to the world that Malaysia is the regional supply chain and logistics hub of choice,” he said.

With an investment of RM1.2 billion, the Pulau Indah GDC is now Daiso’s largest warehouse globally, spanning [XX] square metres and surpassing the size of its home base in Hiroshima, Japan.

It will serve as Daiso’s primary inbound and outbound logistics hub, connecting manufacturing operations across Japan, China and other global suppliers to 27 countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.