GEORGE TOWN: The clearance of cargo and containers of non-essentials goods in phases at ports during the lockdown period has been received well, says Datuk Tan Teik Cheng.
The Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman said he was satisfied so far as the move could reduce the congestion at national ports, especially in Penang Port.
"Since the government allowed the clearance, Penang Port has handled four clearances of non-essential cargo and containers which involve 6,122 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and 5268 TEUs of exported and imported containers.
"While the handling of cargo at the port involved 20,052.20 freight weight tonnes (FWT) of imported cargo, there is still no handling of export cargo," he said in a statement Saturday (June 26).
Tan said the clearances were conducted every Monday,Wednesday and Friday since June 18.
He said the handling of containers in Penang Port involved manufacturers from the northern region of Malaysia and the containers that were exported to Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Qingdao China through Port Klang.
He said the situation in Penang Port is under control with the overall capacity still below the 50% level.
He said the clearance permission can help port industry players avoid double losses as well as save on cargo and container storage payments at the port apart from the container rental cost that has to be borne by the shipping company.
"I hope that all parties involved can work with each other and work hand-in-hand with the government to overcome the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic," he said.
Tan added that PPC would always assist all parties as a facilitator for the port sector in accordance with its role as the Port Authority for the Port of Penang.
He also expressed his highest appreciation to Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) for being effective in performing its duties as a port operator, especially during the implementation of this process.
Earlier Saturday, Tan had made a working visit to the Northern Butterworth Cargo Terminal (NBCT).