Malaysia is planning to implement a key performance index (KPI) for all ports in the country to improve port efficiency, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said.

''Among the things we will look at are profits and losses, quality of service and volume of business. I want all port operators to buck up and embark on a comprehensive branding exercise because as we progress, ports in other countries are also growing – especially those in China,'' Ong told reporters on Sunday.

The KPI will be in place ''as soon as possible'', according to Ong.

Malaysia would be one of the 26 countries vying for one of 20 seats in category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council during the elections on November 27, Ong added.

Category A was reserved for major maritime trading nations, category B for major shipping nations and category C for countries with maritime interests due to their geographical spread.

''As such, Malaysia feels that its presence in the council is warranted given its long coastline and proximity to the major shipping route along the Straits of Malacca,'' Ong was quoted saying.