Risk management provides an effective method for ensuring safety and preventing accidents towards achieving port sustainability. This article describes a study of the implementation of a risk management framework for handling of cargo at ports. To achieve the study’s objectives, data was collected using a questionnaire and disseminated to port experts at three major ports in Malaysia. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and calculated using risk matrix calculations. Based on the calculations, for port A and port B, 42% of risk falls under risk category II and 58% under risk category III. Meanwhile, for Port C, 31% under risk category II and 69% under risk category III. Risk reduction measures should be implemented within a defined period of time (12 months). Additional risk control measures were proposed accordingly. The novelty of the study was an improvement of risk management framework. The risk management framework was proposed with an introduction of risk frequency into risk rating calculation, risk criteria parameter for risk likelihood and risk severity, new risk matrix dimension and instruments to evaluate the existing control measure factor and new risk categories with five levels which provide more details and sustainable risk assessment method.