DHL Global Forwarding has opened a dual-certified cold chain facility within the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Free Commercial Zone to meet the growing demand for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical logistics in Malaysia.

Certified for both 15–25°C and 2–8°C storage, the 38,000-square-foot facility holds both the DHL Air GxP certification and the IATA CEIV Pharma certification, providing Life Science and Healthcare customers with exceptional flexibility and full regulatory compliance.   

The facility comprises dedicated cold rooms, dual secure cages, an advanced Environment Monitoring System (EMS), a dehumidification system, and eco-friendly infrastructure such as R448A refrigerant and energy-efficient compressors.

In addition, DHL offers reefer truck transfers from pick-up to terminal arrival and delivery. This service ensures cold chain integrity is maintained throughout the journey and minimizes third-party handling, thereby reducing turnaround time. It also enhances cargo security and ensures compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.

“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 percent from 2023 to 2028, reaching a market volume of USD 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, and as demand across the Asia Pacific accelerates, we are ready to lead with best-in-class facilities and expertise to support our customers,” he added.

DHL’s KLIA facility’s design also reflects its commitment to green logistics. It is built using CFC- and HCFC-free materials and is fitted with energy-saving compressors and low-noise, low-emission generators. The company is also exploring mobile freezer units capable of operating at -20°C, as well as expanding its service portfolio to include frozen commodities such as vaccines, meat, and industrial chemicals.

Currently, DHL operates 37 Air GxP-certified stations and 12 IATA CEIV Pharma-certified stations across the Asia Pacific region, including key hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, and Shanghai.