DHL opens dual-certified cold chain facility in Malaysia
DHL is the first forwarder to offer such a facility in KLIA, which spans 38,000 square feet.
DHL Global Forwarding has opened a dual-certified cold chain facility in Malaysia on 27 August 2025 to strengthen its pharmaceutical logistics capabilities in Asia Pacific. The facility is located within the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Free Commercial Zone and is certified for both 15–25°C and 2–8°C storage.
DHL is the first forwarder to offer such a facility in KLIA, which spans 38,000 square feet. The site has received DHL Air GxP certification and IATA CEIV Pharma certification, enabling life science and healthcare customers to meet compliance requirements for temperature-sensitive products.
The Air GxP certification is based on World Health Organisation Good Distribution and Storage Practises and is applied across all DHL pharma stations. The IATA CEIV Pharma certification is a global standard that validates capabilities in handling high-value, time- and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments. Together, the certifications ensure quality, compliance and regulatory readiness across the supply chain.
Praveen Gregory, Managing Director for Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, DHL Global Forwarding, said, “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. Our cold chain infrastructure in KLIA has consistently delivered high standards in pharmaceutical logistics since its launch in 2023, and as demand across Asia Pacific accelerates, we are ready to lead with best-in-class facilities and expertise to support our customers.”
The new facility offers multiple dedicated cold rooms, including 1,040 square feet for 15–25°C storage and 504 square feet for 2–8°C storage, with a capacity of up to 105 EU pallets. It also features dual secure cages covering more than 2,400 square feet, with 24/7 CCTV surveillance and restricted access. DHL has installed a 100% automated Environment Monitoring System using Testo Saveris and UniBot, storing temperature data for one year.
Eco-friendly infrastructure includes R448A refrigerant, food-grade epoxy flooring, airtight doors and energy-efficient compressors. The facility operates around the clock and provides customs broking, buyer consolidation, cross-docking and LD3 container charging. A fully temperature-mapped carve-out site is designated for sensitive products, with a dehumidification system tailored for pharmaceutical use between 55% and 70% relative humidity.
DHL is the only forwarder in KLIA offering reefer truck transfers from pick-up to terminal arrival and delivery. This reduces third-party handling, improves turnaround time and maintains compliance with Good Distribution Practise standards. All cold-chain shipments are managed by a team of life sciences specialists who complete annual training and certification under DHL’s CLSS programme, which aligns with IATA regulatory standards.
The company has also incorporated green logistics measures, using CFC- and HCFC-free materials, energy-saving compressors and low-noise, low-emission generators. Plans include the introduction of mobile freezer units operating at -20°C and expanding services to handle frozen commodities such as vaccines, meat and industrial chemicals.
DHL notes that Asia Pacific is emerging as a global hub for pharmaceutical logistics. According to Data Bridge Market Research, the healthcare logistics market in the region is projected to grow from USD 17.6 billion in 2022 to USD 29.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.1%. Drivers include ageing populations, chronic disease prevalence and demand for biologics, vaccines and clinical trials.
As part of its Strategy 2030: Accelerating Sustainable Growth, DHL Group has identified life sciences and healthcare as a key growth sector. Earlier in 2025, DHL announced a €500 million investment in life sciences infrastructure in Asia Pacific, including 300,000 square metres of compliant storage in 15 countries. The company has also launched “DHL Health Logistics” as a sector brand to drive cross-divisional growth.
Currently, DHL operates 37 Air GxP-certified stations and 12 IATA CEIV Pharma-certified stations across the region, including in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney and Shanghai. Each station is staffed with trained specialists and supported by integrated supply chain capabilities such as temperature-controlled transportation, customs broking, real-time shipment monitoring and post-shipment investigations.
DHL Global Forwarding states that its expanding network, certified expertise and commitment to compliance will support the healthcare sector across Asia Pacific by ensuring the safe, efficient and sustainable delivery of life sciences products to patients.
DHL is part of DHL Group, which reported revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. The Group employs around 400,000 staff across more than 220 countries and territories. DHL aims to achieve net-zero emissions in logistics by 2050.
