First phase of logistics masterplan 85 pct complete — Liow

KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Logistics and Trade Facilitation Masterplan closes the year on a high note following the completion of 85 per cent of the Action Items under Phase 1, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said.

He said under the masterplan, Phase 1: Debottleneck (2015-2016) was aimed at removing the root causes that had been holding back the logistics industry.

“The implementation of the remaining Action Items is ongoing and has been carried forward to 2017.

“However,moretimeisrequired to complete them as they involved huge infrastructure development or amendment of the relevant laws and regulations.

“These on- going initiatives include improving last- mile connectivity to Port Klang to enhance connectivity, addressing bottlenecks at the Padang Besar Terminal and developing uCustoms,” he said in a statement after chairing the third National Logistic Task Force ( NLTF) Meeting yesterday.

Liow said the masterplan had also accomplished four lowhanging fruit Action Items from Phase 2: Enhancing Domestic Growth (2017-2019) and Phase 3: Creating Regional Footprint (2020 and beyond).

“These are to enhance the capabilities of logistics service providers to raise their standards and productivity, increasing compliance levels with trade partner market regulations, leveraging e- commerce’s huge potential and promoting efficient urban logistics,” he said.

He said the masterplan had hastened the implementation of e- commerce through the Digital Free Zone, digital entrepreneurship programme a nd othe r suppor t i n g initiatives.

“The Port Klang Net is one of the e-commerce initiatives completed to improve competitiveness of the port and logistics industry through increased efficiency and cost reduction.

“A similar initiative, the Johor Net, has been initiated by Johor Port Authority recently,” he said.

On logistic infrastructure development, Liow said that it required huge capital outlay from both the public and private sectors, with the current total investment amounted to RM14.88 billion in four sub- sectors, namely rail, road, maritime and aviation.

“The total amount for the propos ed log i s t ic s infrastructure under planning is estimated at RM101.54 billion,” he said.

Liow said among the notable achievement s were the repositioning of the Transport Ministry as the champion agency for logistics, establishing the NLTF, and setting up the national logistics data base.

“Two initiatives – amendments to the Malaysia Shipping Ordinance and drafting of the regulations on off- dock depots – are in the final stages and will be implemented once the relevant authorities approve them,” he said. — Bernama