Govt will ensure all essential goods reach their destinations, says Dr Wee

PETALING JAYA: All measures to ensure continued supply of essential goods during the movement control order will be full implemented, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (pic).

The Transport Minister added that all movement of goods must not be curtailed or delayed from reaching those who need them in the markets.

"The government wants to ensure that as Malaysians go through this difficult time, their daily necessities will continue to be met and their households will not be placed under any more stress than is necessary.

"Any movement of essential goods for us all must not be curtailed or delayed from reaching those who need them in the market.

"Currently, Port Klang, Port of Penang, and Johor Port in Pasir Gudang have reached nearly 100% of their capacities to hold goods.

"These goods must be moved out of warehouses and delivered to their final destinations as soon as possible.

"These warehouses will be filled to maximum capacity within this week, leading to shortage of space.

"It is important to clear the congestion currently experienced at these ports so that imported essential goods are not impeded during the MCO," said Dr Wee in a statement issued on Thursday (March 26).

He also said that the Cabinet had brought the matter to the attention of the National Security Council.

Between Friday (March 27) and Sunday (March 29), all freight forwarders and hauliers would be allowed to move their goods out for 24 hours.

" I have proceeded to instruct that the affected ports be given special exemption to clear non-essential goods to warehouses outside the port area temporarily so they can

continue to release essential goods promptly and immediately.

"The said ports will develop and implement action plans to immediately expedite the movement of goods currently congesting their warehouses in their port areas."

Freight forwarders and haulier companies will be allowed to move their goods out for 24 hours per day between Friday and Sunday.

"Police personnel will ensure the vehicles of freight forwarders and hauliers will be allowed to move between Friday, and Sunday, for the purpose of sending goods to their intended destinations unimpeded.

"In doing so, the freight forwarders and hauliers sending goods must adhere to conditions stipulated by the National Security Council.

"All export activities will be allowed to continue. It is vital to ensure that supply chains are not severed and countries that need our exports will be able to continue receiving them," said Dr Wee.