Mahira Harun
Senior Executive, Legal & Compliance
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.
Older than Lumut Port – Mahira Harun, fondly known as Mira, is the only staff member who has been with Lumut Port longer than the port itself. She marks 31 years of service, one year more than the company’s official history.
“I actually joined when the port was still being constructed in 1994. At that time, our management office was in Ipoh, in Bangunan Mayban Trust, because a lot of work revolved around land matters for the port. There were only 15 of us in the beginning. When people asked me where I worked, they would say, ‘There’s a port in Perak?’ Nobody knew us then. The port officially opened in July 1995, so while Lumut Port celebrates 30 years, I celebrate 31.”
Her father had spotted the job opening in Ipoh, and as an Ipoh girl, Mira applied. It was her second job after working in a computer centre for two years. She joined as an Admin Assistant in the Property Division at just 23 years old.
A Life Built with Lumut Port – From the very start, Lumut Port shaped Mira’s personal journey. “Everything in my life began here. I started as a young single woman. Later I got married, had my three children—all of them are Lumut Port babies—and now I’m even a grandmother. My life’s milestones are tied to Lumut Port’s milestones.”
In the early days, Lumut Port had two entities: the port and the industrial estate. Mira recalls how her team promoted both. “Our job was not just about managing land but also about selling port services and industrial plots. The industries around Lumut Port today were part of the land we marketed to fund infrastructure development.”
Knowledge and Growth – Over the years, Mira took on more responsibilities. Under the property division, her work involved compliance, administration and liaising with local authorities. To strengthen her role, she attended courses in administration and benefited from the company’s training programmes.
Today, at 54, she is Senior Executive, Legal & Compliance under Corporate Services, which also covers Finance, IT and Procurement under the CFO’s purview.
Her decades of experience and memory of Lumut Port’s history have made her the natural go-to person for colleagues who need background or guidance. That is how she earned her nickname: “The Walking Library.” If there’s a question about how things were done, or why certain decisions were made, Mira usually has the answer.
Proudest Moments and Hopes – Seeing Lumut Port grow has been Mira’s proudest achievement. From the first Lumut Maritime Terminal (LMT1), to LMT2 and LMT3, she has had a front-row seat to the transformation.
“In my remaining six years of service, I want to keep contributing to the company’s growth. I would love to see Lumut Port stand tall alongside other major ports, both local and international. And I believe we can, especially with the support of His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak.”
The Human Touch – Beyond work, Mira deeply values the company’s care for its people. “The management is very caring. When I was unwell recently and admitted to hospital, they looked after me. The CEO truly appreciates staff, and our welfare is always taken care of. That makes me happy and loyal.”
From a handful of pioneer staff working in a small Ipoh office to today’s thriving port, Mira’s story shows why Lumut Port is not just infrastructure but community. Her knowledge, loyalty, and human touch explain why she will always be known as Lumut Port’s very own Walking Library.
Their 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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