Port Klang hauliers to get incentives for avoiding peak hours

New Straits Times

5 days ago

PUTRAJAYA: Hauliers entering Port Klang during off-peak hours will receive cash incentives to reduce congestion and improve logistics efficiency, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today.
He said hauliers will be eligible for a RM15 incentive for dual movements and RM7.50 for single movements made during off-peak hours.
Loke said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to regulate heavy vehicle movement and reduce traffic buildup at the port.
"This incentive or initiative will be implemented in phases.
The pilot project is expected to begin in August, with full implementation expected to start next year.
"We have discussed this initiative with industry players and port operators in efforts to encourage more haulier movement during off-peak hours to Port Klang," he said after the National Logistics Task Force (NLTF) Meeting No. 1/2025 here today.
He said the incentive will be funded through a Terminal Access Charge (TAC) of RM10, which will be imposed on hauliers entering the port during peak hours, from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
"The TAC and incentives will not apply on Sundays and public holidays to ensure smoother logistics operations without overburdening industry players," he said.
Meanwhile, he said NLTF has also approved an incentive whereby importers or exporters who shift at least 50 percent of their haulier movements from peak to off-peak hours on or before July 1 will be eligible for an extension of the free storage period.
"Failure to meet this target may result in the withdrawal of the incentive.
"If the importer or exporter fails to collect or deliver containers to or from the port in accordance with a 50:50 ratio between peak and off-peak hours, the additional free storage period granted will be reduced," he said.
Currently, importers and exporters are generally given up to four days of free storage before storage charges apply.
He explained that the nine per cent growth in container handling at Port Klang in 2024 has driven a significant increase in goods vehicle traffic during peak hours, with 70 per cent of haulage activity concentrated in this window.
This surge has impacted logistics efficiency and placed added pressure on surrounding road infrastructure.
"To tackle this challenge, the Port Klang Authority (PKA) formed a dedicated Task Force on Jan 7, following a decision at NLTF Meeting No. 2/2024 on Nov 25, 2024.
"The Task Force, comprising key stakeholders, will analyse traffic patterns, propose solutions, and incentivise off-peak haulier movements to ease congestion.
"In parallel, the government also aims to leverage on initiatives under NLTF to help alleviate road congestion and reduce the risk of accidents between goods and passenger vehicles ensuring safer and more efficient transport networks," he said.