2. Case study Move to allow selected days for loading and unloading of non-essential goods welcomed, says Transport Ministry PUTRAJAYA: The National Security Council's (NSC) decision to allow loading and unloading activities of non-essential goods on selected days has been lauded by the Transport Ministry. Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the move by NSC takes into account the balance between high Covid-19 numbers and the need to ensure adequate movement of goods. "Since the lockdown, which started on June 1, the ministry has continued to monitor the status of warehouse and container yard capacities at ports and airports nationwide. "It was found that some areas were approaching their maximum capacity during the lockdown. "To alleviate the situation for logistics players and to clear capacity at the ports and airports, we welcome NSC's decision to allow exporters and importers to perform loading and unloading of non-essential goods from 8am to 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays starting June 18. "This operation will also allow movement of non-essential goods, which is limited to stock in hand only, for importing from and exporting to neighbouring countries. This decision was reached after considering the balance between addressing the alarming number of Covid-19 cases and the need to ensure adequate and uninterrupted movement of goods for our conventional marketplaces and e-commerce activities, said Dr Wee in a statement on Thursday (June 17). The minister said operations for essential goods that have been granted letters from the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) are not subject to this arrangement. Dr Wee said the ministry had initiated a series of similar port-clearing exercises during the first movement control order in March 2020 to facilitate import and export and ensure unhindered movement of goods. On the loading and unloading of non-essential goods allowed starting Friday (June 18), Dr Wee said the activities are limited to cargo to and from factories, ports and airports intended for export and import. This includes clearance, planning, movement of goods, forklift operations, loading and unloading As for procedures, exporters, importers and warehouse operators must obtain police permission at the nearest station with their cargo-related documents as proof (for example, invoice, bill of lading, packing list, etc) along with a list of workers involved in performing the activity. The number of workers allowed is limited and should be in accordance with the relevant standard operating procedure (SOP). This police permission can be used as travel permission for workers at roadblocks and to be shown to enforcement personnel while performing the activity at the company's premises, said Dr Wee. The minister also reminded all personnel involved to adhere to Covid-19-related SOP such as maintaining physical distance, wearing protective equipment and constant washing of hands. Discuss the loading and unloading design that you desire if you are the manager of a logistics company