‘Transport monopoly linked to minister’

Solidari Anak Muda Malaysia alleged that Shaziman Transport Sdn Bhd is gaining monopoly of permits to transport goods from Petronas Dagangan Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR: An NGO Solidari Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) alleged that a transport company linked to a minister is gaining a monopoly of permits to transport oil and other goods from Petronas Dagangan Bhd.

Speaking at a press conference today, SAMM national coordinator Badrul Hisham Shaharin said the company, Shaziman Transport Sdn Bhd, is already having full control of the business in Johor and Malacca, and is now spreading its wings to Penang and Terengganu.

“Previously, the business is given to many Bumiputera transport companies in order to help the Malays to do business.

“But in the last three years, Shaziman Transport is given almost all the permits by Petronas Dagangan,” alleged Badrul.

He also said Petronas Dagangan’s decision had caused many Malay transport companies to suffer losses of between RM50,000 and RM60,000 to pay for their overheads.

“In Johor, 90% of the companies that used to carry Petronas Dagangan’s goods went bust.

“One company in Malacca is now left with only three lorries from the 12 he used to own. Even that, he is going to lose as the businessman is having problems paying the banks,” said Badrul.

He urged Petronas Dagangan to explain the matter as soon as possible as it involves the well-being of Malay entrepreneurs.

Badrul added that he tried contacting Petronas Dagangan many times for answers but nothing has come forth.

“This is dangerous as it not only affects Malay businessmen but Petronas itself. What if one day Shaziman Transport’s staff decide to hold as strike? It will cripple our national oil company’s business,” he said.

Asked if the company is linked to Works Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor, Badrul said, “We suspect so but we need Petronas Dagangan to explain this.”