KUCHING: A delegation from the Lorry Transport Service, an association of companies transporting goods and people by lorries, met Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin at his office at Bangunan Baitulmakmur here recently.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss pressing challenges faced by its members in transporting agricultural goods through Kuching Port.
The delegation raised concerns about regulations imposed by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), which required lorries carrying agricultural cargoes to hold a special permit.
This permit, it said in a press release yesterday (Jan 9), was necessary for transporting items such as corns, soybeans, and fertilisers, in addition to complying with weight standards set by the authorities.
But, the delegation highlighted, during the meeting, instances of non-compliance, where lorries without the required agricultural cargo permits were allegedly allowed to operate at Kuching Port.
This, the delegation argued, was unfair to the more than 40 members of the Lorry Transport Service who had obtained valid permits. They appealed to the minister and relevant authorities to address this discrepancy.
The press release revealed that in response, Lee proposed that the Kuching Port Authority organise a comprehensive briefing session involving all stakeholders.
The aim of the session is to ensure clear communication and understanding of regulations, permit requirements and enforcement measures.
Stakeholders expected to participate include representatives from the lorry operators, Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ), CVLB, Ministry of Transport Sarawak and agricultural product importers.
The Lorry Transport Service expressed gratitude for the minister’s proactive approach and his acknowledgment of the members’ concerns. They are hopeful for a swift resolution to the issues raised.
Present at the meeting were the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Wong Hee Sieng, Sarawak JPJ director, Norizan Jili, Kuching Port Authority general manager, Robert Lau Hong Thiam, and Lorry Transport Service manager, Lee Syan Khau.
