Mohammad Azmi bin Ismail
Admin Coordinator, Technical Service Department
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.
From Hotels to the Port – Before joining Lumut Port, Mohammad Azmi bin Ismail worked in the hotel industry in Singapore. The service line offered him valuable exposure and good pay, but life changed when his father passed away. As the eldest son, he returned home to Sitiawan to take care of his family.
In September 1995, at 29, he joined Lumut Port as a Procurement Clerk under the Finance Department. His wife, Norazizah Saleh, who is also a 30-year service recipient, had joined a few months earlier. Together, they became part of the port’s pioneering team.
Finding the Right Fit – Procurement, however, proved a demanding role. “It’s a one-man job, very tight deadlines, and sometimes what you ask for is not what you get,” Azmi recalls. After a few years, he requested a transfer to the Technical Service Department (TSD).
It was here that he found his balance. As an Admin Coordinator, his job combines 50% desk work and 50% on-the-ground tasks like planning duty rosters, preparing purchase requisitions and coordinating with suppliers. “I enjoy the flexibility. I’m not trained in technical fields, but I learned along the way. The knowledge even helps at home with small repairs.”
He also gained practical insights into costing. “Cheaper items may look good, but in the long run they cost more. Quality gives you real value. That balance is important.”
Lessons Along the Way – Over the years, Azmi learned to adapt to change. “When I started, my bosses were older than me. Now, they’re younger, faster with technology. It took time to adjust, but I accept that’s how things are. I may be slower with computers, but the organisation gave me training and supported me.”
He has attended courses in accounting, technical fields, HR management and computer literacy, all of which helped him grow in confidence and skill.
One of his most memorable experiences came just a year ago, when he boarded a 200-metre Handymax bulk carrier undergoing repairs. “It was my first time inside a cargo ship. I saw everything—the engine room, the captain’s office, the bridge. It was exciting and educational.”
Witnessing Growth – Azmi takes pride in witnessing Lumut Port’s transformation. “In 1995, we handled just 90,000 TEUs. Today, it’s 4.5 million. Back then, you’d see one small vessel a day. Now, ships queue to berth.”
He credits this to teamwork and the company’s commitment to investing in people, machinery and technology. “From manual to digital, the change has been huge. We’ve saved time, resources and improved efficiency. People once doubted if we could survive, but today, Lumut Port is Southeast Asia’s largest dry bulk unloading facility.”
Advice and Reflections – To the younger generation, Azmi offers simple advice: “Have patience, and learn the job. The port is expanding, investment is coming in, and we are serious players. There’s a lot of opportunity if you’re willing to work.”
On a personal level, he is grateful for the quality of life in Lumut. “It takes me only 15 minutes to get to work. No traffic, no tolls—unlike KL. Life here is easy.”
Looking ahead, he hopes for Lumut Port to remain modern, clean and environmentally balanced. “When visitors come to Lumut or Pangkor, they should see a beautiful place where fishing is still possible even near the port. We can learn from the best, like Singapore, and aim for equal or better standards.”
From hotels in Singapore to 30 years at Lumut Port, Mohammad Azmi’s journey is about balance—between desk and fieldwork, cost and quality, tradition and technology. His story reflects not just the growth of the port, but also the values of patience, adaptability and pride in community.
His 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.
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