The Association Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) members have incurred losses of over RM50 million following the strike by haulage drivers recently at Port Klang.

Deputy president Lim Kok Cheong said the unprecedented incident had a negative impact on its members especially those involved in the export and import business.

NONE He hoped relevant authorities would take immediate action to remedy the already escalated problem which was causing irreparable damage to the country’s image and economy.

“We estimated that our members have suffered losses of over RM50 million due to the strike by haulage drivers,” he told reporters.

He said the root cause of the problem was because container depot operators were currently not regulated by any government agency.

Lim said their inefficiency had caused a lot of unnecessary delays in the logistics chain stemming from the container depots which were privately managed.

“We urge the relevant authorities to act as rumours are rife that a similar strike could be brewing very soon at the Johor Port and we are very concerned that if the situation is not addressed the country’s image and economy will be jeopardised,” he said.

The main concern voiced by the haulage drivers were that had to wait between two and four hours to pick up or drop off containers and had to pay depot gate surcharges of RM18.00 effective on every entry against RM5.00 previously.

Last week, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha said the government was resolving the dissatisfaction shown by container lorry drivers against depot operators in Port Klang and hoped they would resume services soon.  

“The ministry’s secretary-general and senior officials held a meeting on April 30 with the depot management to find a solution.

“Nonetheless, it will take time considering the Klang Municipal Council is the local authority responsible for issuing licences to depot operators while the container lorry drivers are under the supervision of the Land Public Transport Commission,” he said.  

More than 2,000 container lorry drivers went on strike for more than 24 hours since May 2, disgruntled over the hike in charges imposed on them by depot owners for sending and collecting containers to and from the port.

- Bernama