PETALING JAYA: Congestion at certain ports will be reduced with the special approval granted by the National Security Council (NSC) to allow all activities related to the movement of non-essential goods for both export and import at areas affected by the enhanced movement control order.

       Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong welcomed the NSC’s consideration to allow the handling, receiving, loading and unloading activities of such goods at affected areas from today to Saturday.

       According to Dr Wee, congestion at certain ports have led to the utilisation of nearly 80% of their respective capacities.

       “Subsequently, loading and unloading activities are permitted to continue on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays according to existing NSC SOPs, ” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

       Dr Wee said the Transport Ministry will continue monitoring the status of ports and airports to ensure goods and cargo can continue to be transported safely under strict SOP.

       “This is particularly important for high traffic areas such as in Port Klang in order to maintain efficient port operations and prevent cargo backlogs during enhanced MCOs.

       “This move is also expected to help companies mitigate high storage costs during this time, ” said Dr Wee, who added that companies involved must comply with the SOP for the transport and logistics industry that was last updated on June 15, other than the Health Ministry’s SOP.

       He added that companies involved must not allow People Under Surveillance (PUS) or anyone under quarantine to participate in the permitted activities.

       Dr Wee also said exporters, importers and warehouse operators may obtain police permission at the nearest station with their cargo-related document as proof, such as invoices, bill of lading, packing list and a list of workers involved. He said police permission can be for travel at roadblocks, and it is to be shown to the authorities during a worker’s respective shift.

       “This special permission is unrelated to existing guidelines on loading and unloading of essential goods and cargo, ” he added.

       Dr Wee said the Transport Ministry will continue monitoring the current situation closely in order to ensure that the movement of goods and cargo will proceed smoothly so as not to cause any disruptions to the supply chain and cause shocks in the market.

       “All personnel are reminded to strictly maintain a physical distance of at least one metre when required, reduce interactions and use contactless transactions wherever possible.

       “All other required measures including use of hand sanitiser, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and checking in with MySejahtera must be strictly adhered to, ” he added.