The noise at New Bagan Seaford Restaurant, the august afternoon, was not just the clatter of cutlery or the hum of conversation. It was the sound of history resurfacing.
More than 70 former and current officers of the Port Klang Authority (LPK) gathered under one roof, bringing with them an extraordinary 4,500 years of collective life experience, of which over 3,000 years were spent shaping Malaysia’s premier maritime gateway.
These were not merely attendees at a reunion. They were the shapers and builders of Port Klang, the very individuals who helped elevate it into the 10th busiest port in the world.
Around each table sat a living cross-section of the port’s operational backbone, managers, traffic officers, logistics specialists, chief clerks, and administrators. Their titles may have evolved over time, but their shared purpose had not, to build, sustain, and grow a port that would stand as a national economic pillar of our nation.
Among those present were Datuk Capt Subramaniam, the current General Manager of LPK; Paul Seo, former AGM of Administration LPK and now with SAFLA; Wong Pun Yoke, Manager of Northport; Sinnathamby, Chief Clerk of LPK; Datuk Wong Son Fah, formerly of CEO of Kuantan Port; Balakrishnan, AGM Corporate Services of LPK, Pathmanathan of LPK and was with Ministry of Transport’s marine division.
Also remembered and honoured was En Zain, the pioneer and first General Manager of LPK, whose early vision laid the groundwork for what Port Klang has become today.
There was a certain poetry in the venue itself. The restaurant, like many in attendance, had aged alongside the port. Conversations drifted nostalgically to familiar landmarks, Samy Road, Jungle Bar, and the once-iconic Hotel Deluxe, famed for its chicken rice. These were more than places; they were markers of a shared journey.
Paul Seo captured the spirit of the day simply: “I’m so happy to be here. This is a great gathering.” His words echoed the sentiment across the room, a deep appreciation for the bonds forged over decades of service.
Datuk Capt. Subramaniam offered a perspective that bridged generations. “You guys laid the bricks. We are just placing the tiles to complete the mammoth task you undertook,” he said, acknowledging that today’s achievements stand firmly on the foundations built by those before him.
His current stewardship, including the strategic focus on Pulau Carey, signals the port’s next phase of growth, one that continues to draw from its legacy of bold ambition.
For Tan Beng Hock, formerly of LPK and Klang Container Terminal, the gathering reaffirmed something less tangible but equally vital. “The camaraderie is great,” he remarked, reflecting the enduring relationships that have outlasted careers and designations.
That sense of camaraderie was a recurring theme. Mr Balan, a maritime lawyer, described the occasion as “an auspicious day to meet, eat, and extend our camaraderie.”
It was a reminder that beyond infrastructure, policy, and global rankings, the port’s true strength lies in its people.
Wong Ah Seng (Tiger Wong) the Organising Chairman and Ramadass (Secretary) both, ex-LPK officers, shared their heartfelt appreciation, noting that the presence of the LPK General Manager truly made the event more special and meaningful.
They also expressed gratitude for the thoughtful souvenirs from LPK, which were a lovely gesture for everyone who attended and fitting recognition of their contributions.
The conversations also turned thoughtfully toward inclusivity and the future. Questions were raised, why were there no women present, and could future gatherings be more inclusive across gender and cultural lines?
Suggestions emerged, including the possibility of hosting sessions in venues to encourage broader participation. These reflections hinted at an evolving consciousness, one that recognises that the next chapter of Port Klang must be as inclusive as it is ambitious.
This is a wonderful legacy started from Southport, which started operation 125 years ago, and many of these people were there when Southport development progressed, leading to the opening of North Klang Straits wharves in the 60’s, currently Northport says N. Sankunny, former LPK and Northport AGM.
Looking across the room, one could not help but see the arc of LPK’s journey, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Yesterday belonged to pioneers like Late Mohd Zain Ahmad (LPK 1965 to 1976) and his contemporaries, who established the port’s foundations with vision and grit.
Today, it is represented by leaders like Datuk Capt. Subramaniam and his team, navigating complex global trade dynamics while steering expansion initiatives like Pulau Carey. Tomorrow, however, will depend on how well these legacies are preserved, shared, and expanded upon.
What made this gathering extraordinary was not just the numbers, though 4,500 years of life and 3,000 years of service is no small feat. It was the convergence of memory, experience, and purpose. In that bustling restaurant, the past was not distant.
It was present, alive in stories, laughter, and quiet pride.
Port Klang’s rise to global prominence did not happen by chance. It was built, day by day, shift by shift, by individuals who understood that their work mattered not just to the port, but to the nation.
As the gathering drew to a close, there was no formal resolution, no grand declaration. Yet something significant had taken place. The custodians of Port Klang’s legacy had come together, not to reminisce alone, but to reaffirm a shared identity.
In the end, the noise at Bagan Seaford was more than celebration. It was a powerful reminder, before the cranes, the cargo, and the global rankings, there were people, dedicated, resilient, and united, who made it all possible. – May 1, 2026
Ravindran Raman Kutty is an award winning PR practitioner