PETALING JAYA: Representatives from the country's logistics and transport operators have met with the Transport Ministry to sort out congestion issues during cargo movement to Singapore.

       In a Facebook post on Friday (Nov 26), Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said he had an online meeting with representatives of operators, including the Pan Malaysian Lorry Owners, the Association of Malaysian Hauliers, and the Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators’ Association.

       "I was glad to share with them the good news, which is that both Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to extend the operation hours of Johor Causeway from 12 hours to 18 hours, or from 7am to 1am, after discussions with our Singapore counterparts.

       "The new operating hours will be enforced after both Malaysian and Singaporean Prime Ministers launch the VTL-Land on the Causeway on Nov 29.

       "Since April 2020, the operating hours have been reduced to 12 hours (7am to 7pm) following the border closure due to the pandemic," said Dr Wee, who added that he understood the difficulties faced by industry players over the severe congestion when lorry drivers and logistics operators need to transport essential products from Malaysia to Singapore on a daily basis.

       "It is hoped that this initiative will ease the movement of lorries and trailers, and help the recovery of the country’s economic activities, especially the transportation sector, that has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.