Lumut Port at 30: Seven Stories of 30-year Service HR with Heart

Norazizah binti Saleh

Senior Executive, HR & Admin

As Lumut Port celebrates its 30th anniversary, we also honour seven remarkable staff who have each served the organisation for three decades. Their journeys mirror the growth of Lumut Port itself—starting small, facing challenges and steadily growing into something bigger and stronger.

Each story in this series highlights not just years of service, but lives built alongside the port’s development. From the early days of construction to today’s expanding terminals, these individuals remind us that Lumut Port’s strength lies not only in its infrastructure, but in the people who keep it moving.

Starting Out – For Norazizah binti Saleh, joining Lumut Port in June 1995 marked the start of a lifelong journey. At just 25, the Sitiawan-born had already spent five years at a manufacturing plant before spotting a recruitment advertisement for a Personnel Assistant.

“I applied and got the job, and that’s how my career with Lumut Port began,” she recalls.

Her early days were not without challenges. Before the port’s opening, she had to work at the temporary Ipoh office. “It was a one-and-a-half-hour journey each way, so I stayed with an aunt in Ipoh for a month. That was my first time moving away from home, and it’s still a memory I hold close.”

When Lumut Port officially opened in July 1995, she moved back to Sitiawan. That same month, she witnessed history. “I was part of the ceremony when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, then Prime Minister, inaugurated Lumut Port. Seeing him and so many VIPs in attendance was unforgettable.”

A Life with Lumut Port – Beyond her career, Norazizah has also built a full life alongside her years at Lumut Port. She is married and blessed with two children, both of whom have grown up witnessing their mother’s dedication to her work.”

Her memories reflect both the company’s and her own milestones. “When I first started, there were only 62 employees. Today, there are around 300. The land that once felt empty is now full of stockyards and industries. I’ve seen Lumut Port grow from being unknown to thriving, and I feel proud to have been part of this journey.”

Patience and People – At 56, Norazizah is now Senior Executive, HR & Admin. Her years in human resources have shaped her into someone colleagues respect for her calmness and fairness.

“Working in HR, you meet all kinds of people. The role has taught me patience and understanding. The culture at Lumut Port is healthy—we have a good balance, and I enjoy coming to work.”

Her work has always been about people, supporting them, resolving issues and helping them grow along with the organisation.

Looking Ahead – With retirement not far away, Norazizah’s hopes are for the future generations. “I want Lumut Port to continue growing, to be stronger as a business and to become the employer of choice for Malaysians, especially Perakians. If that happens, young people won’t need to leave for the cities. Maybe even employee’s children could work here one day.”

Her message for the next chapter is clear: “I may not be here for the next 30 years, but I hope Lumut Port’s future will be even more glorious than its past.”

From being a young recruit travelling to Ipoh each day, to becoming a steady pillar in HR and Admin, Norazizah Saleh’s journey reflects Lumut Port’s heart for its people—loyal, patient and built on a foundation of care.

Her story is a reminder that behind Lumut Port’s growth are people whose dedication and loyalty have shaped its journey. As we celebrate 30 years, we also celebrate the spirit of our long-serving staff—the true anchors of Lumut Port.

Next in this series: another story of a long-serving staff who has walked the journey with Lumut Port.

#LumutPort #LMT #30Years #LongService #PeopleOfLumutPort #PortExcellence #Maritime #Perak #Malaysia

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