The business was at least giving shipowners better net returns now. Although the same number of vessels were calling at Malaysian ports, slots at Port Klang had slipped as much as 30 per cent. He added that to bring the number of slots up, shipping agencies would have to offer lines more lucrative rates. Shipping lines could not be expected to be attracted to a port if freight rates remained low, Abdul Latif said, warning that any form of legislation might well force shipping lines to go back to trans-shipping via Singapore or limiting space capacity, which would be bad for Malaysia's image. If this were to happen, then shippers would have little choice but to pay whatever rates operated in the market.
Present conferences are more in favour of shippers and consignees.