Nod for vehicles delivering essentials

No restriction on transportation of supplies during CNY, says Wee

PETALING JAYA: All vehicles ferrying essential supplies, including heavy vehicles, will be allowed to operate during the Chinese New Year period, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said each year, the ministry imposes a prohibition on goods vehicles from being on the road for a few days throughout the Chinese New Year period.

He explained that such a prohibition was intended to improve road safety and to avoid traffic congestion during the festive season by reducing the presence of heavy goods vehicles on the roads.

Dr Wee also reminded the public that all Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the National Security Council must be complied with without any compromise.

“However, as all states except Sarawak are under the movement control order (MCO) until Feb 18 while the conditional MCO in Sarawak is until Feb 14, the Transport Ministry will not impose the restriction on heavy vehicles during this year’s Chinese New Year period,” Dr Wee said in a statement yesterday.

On a separate matter, following the extension of the MCO until Feb 18 except for Sarawak, Dr Wee said his ministry had updated the verification letter to allow the operation of essential services in the logistics and transport sector throughout this period.

He added the update was made following feedback and input from the transport and logistics industry players on issues faced by the industry in the field and in the interest of the people.

All registered transport and logistics players are invited to download the letter from the SMILE system at https://application.mot.gov.my

“The Transport Ministry would like to stress that transport and logistics players should comply with the regulations.

“Punitive action, including the issuance of compounds, under Section 25 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, will be carried out if anyone fails to comply,” he said.