24-hour operations for goods movement approved, says Wee

 

The loading and unloading of non-essential goods for import and export purposes can now operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong.

He said the move would further ease the movement of all goods nationwide and make it easier for logistics and transportation companies to conduct their businesses.

“The decision was made following a request from the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to the National Security Council (NSC) in order to prevent a build-up of congestion at warehouses and container yards and further ensure the smooth flow of goods as the economy picks up again.

“Previously, this activity to load and unload non-essential goods to be carried out at premises was limited to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8am to 8pm,” Wee said in an announcement on Facebook yesterday.

He added that operators are allowed to do so but with the condition that they adhere to all SOPs stipulated by NSC.

That includes full compliance with SOPs under the current phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), obtaining permission from the MOT or through the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (Cims) 3.0 operated by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti).

Transport Minister Wee Ka Siong

The working capacity allowed for each operator will depend on the percentage of employees that have been vaccinated.

“If 40 percent of a company’s employees have received vaccinations, the institute may operate at 60 percent of its current staffing. At 60 percent vaccinated, they may operate with 80 percent staff.

“A company may operate with 100 percent staffing if 80 percent of its staff have received vaccination for Covid-19,” Wee added.

Companies are also required to comply with the Health Ministry’s protocols and implement new norms like checking body temperature, checking in with MySejahtera, maintaining physical distance, wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers.

Certain individuals are not allowed to work at those premises, including Covid-19 symptomatic individuals, those residing in enhanced movement control order (MCO) areas, persons under surveillance (PUS) and those under quarantine.

Wee said actions would be taken under the 1988 Infectious Diseases Act if operators are found violating the SOPs, and they are encouraged to refer to the latest SOPs at www.mkn.gov.my. - Mkini