US officials posted in M'sian ports to check for 'terrorist' materials

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The government has granted permission for United States customs agents to be posted at its ports to check US-bound consignments for shipments of terrorist materials, a government minister said in a report today.

Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik told the New Straits Times the move would form part of Washington's Container Security Initiative (CSI), where US officials are stationed at foreign ports to help scrutinise cargo.

"The US Customs Service approached us recently and we were fully supportive ... on condition that it will not lead to delays or congestions at the ports," Ling said.

Containers from ports that have signed up under the anti-terrorism initiative were promised "fast-track" clearance at US ports, he said, adding that US agents were already stationed at Port Klang south of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

"(Joining the CSI) is good for us. Our ports are deemed safe and people are confident of shipping their goods to the US through them," he said.

Regional hub

The southern Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), one of the country's main ports, had earlier approached US authorities to participate in the initiative, the report said.

"PTP welcomes the CSI as it will complement PTP's operations and the government's efforts to establish Malaysia as a regional centre to combat terrorism," chief executive officer Mohamad Sidik Shaik Osman was quoted as saying.

"Port safety is a concern to all parties in the supply chain and we believe it is best to work together with other ports on this front," he said.

Washington has been keen to sell CSI, which is part of global efforts against terrorism, as a low-key practical initiative which raises no sovereignty issues.

The initiative has already seen Singapore and a number of countries in Europe sign up, and negotiations are underway with other states including China. - AFP



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