PKA orders fee cut after 'unprecedented' strike
Published: May 4, 2012 6:13 AM | Updated: May 4, 2012 9:57 AM
The Port Klang Authority (PKA) has ordered depot operators at Northport and Westport to slash its depot gate charges on truckers after some 1,000 drivers went on strike since Wednesday.
The Port Klang Authority (PKA) has ordered depot operators at Northport and Westport to slash its depot gate charges on truckers after some 1,000 drivers went on strike since Wednesday.
According to The Star, PKA chairperson Teh Kim Poon said his authority and other relevent agencies will try to find an amicable solution to address the grouses of the protesters.
The strike entered its second day yesterday, albeit with smaller numbers.
“As of now I have ordered depots operating in the Northport and Westport to return to the status quo of charging the truck drivers the original depot gate charge of RM5,” he was quoted as saying.
Truck drivers who transport containers from the ports are vexed that the depot gate charge was increased three-fold to RM15, on top of long waiting time at the depot, which reduces their income.
The daily reported that PKA has also moved to set up a new depot to specifically allow the storage of the growing number of containers that are not being transported out due to the strike.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA), an organisation consisting of shipment companies, in a circular to its members described the strike as “unprecedented” and said it will cause delays in clearing containers, incurring various charges.
“As the strike action may continue indefinitely, SFFLA wishes to advise all importers and exporters of the risk of incurring the above charges.
“Pursuant to this, SFFLA declares that our members are not responsible for any of the above incidental charges that may arise arising from the above strike action of the drivers or any consequential delays or unforeseen costs arising from such action,” it said.
The association warned that if the strike persists until Sunday, 50,000 standard import containers may be affected, incurring additional cost of RM1,000 for a 20-foot long by 8-foot wide container.
According to The Star, PKA chairperson Teh Kim Poon said his authority and other relevent agencies will try to find an amicable solution to address the grouses of the protesters.
The strike entered its second day yesterday, albeit with smaller numbers.“As of now I have ordered depots operating in the Northport and Westport to return to the status quo of charging the truck drivers the original depot gate charge of RM5,” he was quoted as saying.
Truck drivers who transport containers from the ports are vexed that the depot gate charge was increased three-fold to RM15, on top of long waiting time at the depot, which reduces their income.
The daily reported that PKA has also moved to set up a new depot to specifically allow the storage of the growing number of containers that are not being transported out due to the strike. Meanwhile, the Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA), an organisation consisting of shipment companies, in a circular to its members described the strike as “unprecedented” and said it will cause delays in clearing containers, incurring various charges.
“As the strike action may continue indefinitely, SFFLA wishes to advise all importers and exporters of the risk of incurring the above charges. “Pursuant to this, SFFLA declares that our members are not responsible for any of the above incidental charges that may arise arising from the above strike action of the drivers or any consequential delays or unforeseen costs arising from such action,” it said.
The association warned that if the strike persists until Sunday, 50,000 standard import containers may be affected, incurring additional cost of RM1,000 for a 20-foot long by 8-foot wide container.
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