DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, announced a significant enhancement of its cold chain capabilities in Malaysia, becoming the first freight forwarder to operate a facility certified for both 15–25°C and 2–8°C storage within the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Free Commercial Zone.
This state-of-the-art facility, spanning over 38,000 square feet, is strategically designed to meet the growing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics in the region.
The facility has been awarded both the DHL Air GxP certification and the IATA CEIV Pharma certification, providing an unparalleled level of flexibility and regulatory compliance for Life Science and Healthcare customers. The DHL Air GxP certification is a baseline requirement across all DHL pharma stations, ensuring strict adherence to Good Distribution and Storage Practices as outlined by the World Health Organization. This is complemented by the IATA CEIV Pharma certification, a globally recognized standard that validates DHL’s expertise in handling high-value, time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
“Malaysia is strategically located to serve as a regional hub for global medical technology companies, and the fast-growing market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.5 per cent from 2023 to 2028, reaching a market volume of US$4.5 billion by 2028,” said Praveen Gregory, Managing Director, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, DHL Global Forwarding. “Our cold chain infrastructure in KLIA has consistently delivered high standards in pharmaceutical logistics since its launch in 2023. As demand across Asia Pacific accelerates, we are ready to lead with best-in-class facilities and expertise to support our customers.”
The enhanced facility is equipped with comprehensive solutions to ensure cold chain integrity, including:
- Dedicated Cold Rooms: 1,040 square feet for 15–25°C storage and 504 square feet for 2–8°C storage, with capacity for up to 105 EU pallets.
- Secure Storage: Over 2,400 square feet of high-security storage with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and restricted access.
- Advanced Environment Monitoring: A 100% automated, real-time temperature monitoring system with a dual setup (Testo Saveris and UniBot) and data storage for one year.
- Eco-friendly Infrastructure: Features include R448A refrigerant, food-grade epoxy flooring, airtight doors, and energy-efficient compressors.
To further ensure cargo integrity, DHL is the only forwarder in KLIA offering reefer truck transfers, which maintain the cold chain from pick-up to terminal arrival and final delivery, minimizing third-party handling and reducing turnaround time.
All cold-chain shipments are managed by a dedicated team of certified Life Sciences Specialists. These professionals undergo rigorous training, including the DHL CIF Certified Life Sciences Specialist (CLSS) program, and receive annual training to stay abreast of evolving industry and regulatory standards.
The expansion in Malaysia is part of a broader commitment by DHL Group to the Life Sciences and Healthcare (LSH) sector. Under its Strategy 2030, DHL Group has identified LSH as a key growth area, introducing the “DHL Health Logistics” brand to drive cross-divisional growth. This commitment is underscored by a recent €500 million investment in LSH infrastructure across Asia Pacific, which includes 300,000 square meters of compliant storage in 15 countries.
DHL currently operates 37 Air GxP-certified and 12 IATA CEIV Pharma-certified stations in the Asia Pacific region, including key hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, and Shanghai. These facilities are supported by integrated supply chain capabilities, including temperature-controlled transportation, customs brokerage, and real-time shipment monitoring, ensuring that critical healthcare products reach patients safely and efficiently.
