Image credit: Malay Mail
PETALING JAYA: The transport ministry has announced that the loading and unloading of cargo for import and export will be allowed to operate 24 hours a day with immediate effect.
In a statement, transport minister Wee Ka Siong said this would help facilitate the movement of goods throughout the country and make it easier for companies to conduct business.
“Previously, this activity was limited to only Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8am to 8pm.
“This decision was made following a request from the transport ministry to the National Security Council (MKN) to prevent congestion at warehouses and container yards.
“This will ensure the smooth flow of goods as the economy picks up again.”
Wee said all operators must comply with standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by MKN, which include full compliance with the current phases of the national recovery plan.
“The companies involved must submit an application through the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) 3.0, operated by the international trade and industry ministry (Miti), for approval.
“Companies are permitted to operate based on the percentage of employees who have been vaccinated,” he said.
Wee said a company may operate at 60% of its staff strength if 40% have received their vaccinations, and 80% of its capacity if 60% have been vaccinated.
A company can only operate at full capacity if 80% of its employees have been vaccinated.
Wee said other SOPs include complying with health protocols set by the health ministry, such as temperature screening, checking in with MySejahtera, maintaining physical distance, wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers.
He said persons with Covid-19 symptoms, those residing in enhanced movement control order areas, persons under surveillance, and persons observing quarantine were not allowed to enter any premises.
“The ministry wishes to remind that any violation of the associated SOPs can result in action taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
“As always, the ministry will continue to monitor conditions on the ground to ensure a healthy and enabling environment for participants of the logistics and transport industry to thrive,” he said.
Source: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/09/12/import-export-activities-can-now-go-on-for-24-hours-says-wee/