KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Sin Chew Daily) — The business community is concerned with the congestion at Port Klang, especially importers who are waiting for clearance of cargoes with perishable goods and fruits.

If the congestion at Port Klang remains unsolved and the importers are unable to claim their cargoes, they are likely to face huge financial losses and damaged produce.

Zhong Zhi Hai, deputy president of Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Association, told Sin Chew Daily the congestion issue at the shipping terminal had to be resolved immediately to ensure smooth clearance of cargoes.

"Perishable products such as flowers, fruits and greens are crucial to be delivered on time," he said.

Zhong, who is also the Negeri Sembilan Sundry Goods Merchants Association president, said the congestion issue in Port Klang was unprecedented. As the business community was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic due to sharp decline in business volume, Port Klang experienced congestion instead. 

He said Port Klang Authority (PKA) should take immediate measures to resolve the congestion problem as soon as possible.

To ensure smooth cargo clearance, Zhong also said the shipping terminal would have to ensure sufficient berths while the customs department to adopt a more efficient management such as setting up special channels for clearance of perishable goods.

Kuala Lumpur Fruits Wholesaler Association president Chen Yu Mei said the congestion affected the shipping of fruits from Korea during the Winter Solstice and Christmas holidays. Now importers are worried about the cargoes for coming Chinese New Year festive season.

Chen received complaints from members of the association that they still did not receive clearance for fruits arrived on December 7 at Port Klang.

Although the pandemic has affected the operation at Port Klang, the delay should not be dragged on for too long as it might lead to issues related to bread and butter, she said.

The importers and company representatives are seeking for a channel to meet with PKA officials and transport minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to discuss pending issues and look for solutions.

Chen said next month would be the busiest month for importers who have ordered Chinese New Year products. Many such goods – fruits and greens – required speedy clearance. She said a special channel should be set up to speed up clearance.

Some of the imported medications also require swift clearance, she added.