PETALING JAYA: Amidst the disputes between shipping lines and shippers, particularly on the collection of container deposits, the Transport Ministry has pointed out that it had endorsed an amicable resolution through the Port Klang Authority (PKA).
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said all parties are committed to abide by the decision. Any non-compliance would be dealt with accordingly on a case-by-case basis, he said.
“The initiative has been well received aside from a few complaints which are being addressed.
“The Transport Ministry continues to monitor the issues raised by affected parties and will liaise with the said parties accordingly, should the need arise, ” he told StarBiz.
He added that the resolutions were endorsed after consultation with stakeholders with regards to the best practices to adopt.
Dr Wee was referring to the three schemes, namely the non-cheque deposit (NCD), iCARGO+ and the container ledger account (CLA), which were introduced by the PKA earlier this year in order to resolve the issue on the collection of security deposits.
The NCD scheme is managed by the Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association. iCARGO+ and CLA are managed by Quantum Ivory Sdn Bhd and D&D Control (M) Sdn Bhd, respectively.
Responding to the issue on charges imposed by shipping lines, Dr Wee said the Transport Ministry does not regulate charges other than those related to port services as provided by the port authority and the terminal operators at this time.
He said charges which were contractual in nature, including sea-freight and logistics services, were generally determined by contracting parties based on market rates.
Meanwhile, he added that any proposals to establish a Maritime Commission needed to be studied extensively.
“We have to take into consideration the international nature of shipping practices and the complexity of trade laws, while ensuring fair practices to safeguard domestic players.
“The ministry will provide updates progressively, ” he said. — By ROYCE TAN
