5 days ago
Off-peak incentives will be offered to reduce traffic at Port Klang
PUTRAJAYA: Financial incentives will be offered to encourage hauliers to space out their entry into Port Klang so that traffic congestion in and around the port could be better managed, says the Transport Ministry.
In particular, sums starting from RM7.50 for vehicles will be offered as a pilot programme beginning August, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke (pic) after he chaired the National Logistics Task Force meeting here yesterday.
Hauliers entering Port Klang during off-peak hours (8pm to 8am) will receive RM15 for dual movements (enter and exit within the same time band) and RM7.50 for single movements.
'The cost of this incentive will be funded through a Terminal Access Charge (TAC) of RM10 payable by hauliers entering the port during peak hours (8am to 8pm).
'The imposition of TAC and the provision of incentives will be exempted on Sundays and Public Holidays. These measures provide clear incentives to help the industry move towards safer and more efficient practices,' said Loke of the scheme that is expected to be fully in place by the end of the year.
In the same vein, importers and exporters that shift at least 50% of their haulage activity to off-peak hours by July 1 will also qualify for additional free storage time at the port.
At present, a four-day free storage period is standard before charges apply. Loke said companies that do not maintain a 50:50 ratio between peak and off-peak movements may lose this free storage incentive.
Currently, about 70% of haulage activity at Port Klang take place during peak hours, contributing to congestion and delays.
The port saw a 9% increase in container volume in 2024, putting further pressure on surrounding roads. To address the issue, the Port Klang Authority (PKA) set up a special task force in January to study traffic patterns and recommended measures that included the introduction of these off-peak incentives.
'The goal is to spread out truck movements and reduce traffic during busy hours. This will not only ease congestion but also make our roads safer for everyone,' said Loke.
When asked about yesterday's meeting between ministers and the Prime Minister, Loke confirmed that no reshuffling was mentioned at the occasion.
'Yes, there was a meeting with the Prime Minister, but I was not informed of any Cabinet changes. The Prime Minister said the Transport Minister remains,' he replied when asked whether the discussion centred on filling the two vacant ministerial posts.
The vacancies arose following the resignations of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad this week as Economy Minister and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister respectively.
