(Inserting four new paras after fifth para).
KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- The Associated 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 Datuk Lim Kok Cheong said the unprecedented incident
had a negative impact on its members especially those involved in the export
and import business.
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 Datuk Seri 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 pick up and drop off of containers to and from the port.
-- BERNAMA
KTK MAS VMD