PUTRAJAYA: Logistics companies with interlinked shareholdings can share prime movers and trailer beds to carry luton/box and general cargo from May 5, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said this is an expansion of an initiative announced last year, which allows these logistics companies to share prime movers and trailer beds to carry container cargo.

       Dr Wee said this is to boost the efficiency and services provided by the logistics sector.

       “This initiative is implemented after continuous reviews to ensure existing regulations are in line with the industry’s development and to contribute to its efficiency,” he told reporters on Thursday (April 21).

       In September last year, Dr Wee said that the move will allow greater flexibility by allowing companies within the same group to interchange their prime movers, trailers and semi-trailers in response to changing market demands.

       Dr Wee added that aside from the existing conditions set when the initiative was introduced last year, this initiative only involves first-tier subsidiary companies.

       He said then that this means that the parent company holds equity of at least 51% in the subsidiary.

       Under the initiative, the prime mover and trailer permitted laden weight (BDM) for the interchanging is subject to a semi-trailer BDM or gross combined weight (BGK) of a prime mover, whichever is lower between the two.

       Additionally, any offences under the Acts relevant to this policy change apply to prime movers only.

       The logistics firms are also to obtain technical vehicle approval from the Road Transport Department before forwarding their application to the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad).

       “The Transport Ministry remains committed to improving the logistics industry through greater efficiency and competitiveness,” said Dr Wee.