SFFLA president Datuk Tony Chia said the association will continue to monitor the situation over the second phase of the movement control order (MCO) from April 1 to April 14. During the first phase of the MCO, the Ministry granted a three-day window period to clear essential and non-essential goods from the ports
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA) may request the Transport Ministry to grant another window period to clear imported products from the ports should there be a potential buildup in backlog impacting the storage capacity.
SFFLA president Datuk Tony Chia said the association will continue to monitor the situation over the second phase of the movement control order (MCO) from April 1 to April 14.
During the first phase of the MCO, the Ministry granted a three-day window period to clear essential and non-essential goods from the ports.
Although it was a short three-day period, SFFLA president Datuk Tony Chia noted around 9000 to 10,000 TEUs were cleared in Port Klang per day which improved the storage capacity to 50%.
“The initiative has restored the important supply chain which is very important for manufacturers of essential products.
“All stakeholders have complied with the policy set up by the Port Klang Authority which is taking the lead in managing this initiative, ” he added.
Meanwhile, SFFLA also clarified that minimal manpower was involved to move the boxes and a few people were required to unstuff or pack the containers.
“We wish to clarify that we are moving containers and not people, ” it said.
“Freight Forwarders have prioritised the clearance of non-dutiable goods, bulk cargoes, animal feed, fertilisers, iron and steel cargoes, scrap metal and etc as these cargoes usually come in big numbers of containers per shipment and require less intervention and manpower, ” it said.
Given that many logistics companies are facing financial contraints during the MCO, Chia appeals to importers of dutiable goods to make early payments for customs duties and advance shipping charges to freight forwarders that handle customs clearance and delivery from ports.
He also urges shippings line to waive demurrage charges during the period from March 16 to March 23 because containers were not available for delivery during rhe MCO.
“Our members are also advising our clients to consider any fresh imports, unless very necessary, in view of MCO, ” Chia noted.
https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/03/31/sffla-may-ask-for-another-window-period-to-clear-imported-products
