Slow clearance causes truck congestion outside Westports in Malaysia

“Normally, the Customs check takes about 45 minutes, gate-in, gate-out. I usually can do two or three trips but today, this is my only trip,” one truck driver was quoted as saying.

“In my eight years transporting goods in and out of Westports, this is the worst ever congestion I have faced,” he added.

Association of Malaysian Hauliers president Nazari Akhbar confirmed many drivers are still stuck in the massive traffic congestion, adding that the situation has persisted for nearly two months.

“We have been facing the dire situation for nearly two months. But tonight, it is terrible as many of our drivers are still stuck in the traffic jam. I don’t know whether they can clear Customs past midnight,” he said.

Nazari noted the last time similar massive congestion occurred was in May 2016, when a faulty IT system and the closure of half the lanes slowed traffic down and caused similar delays and financial penalties for truckers.

“The Customs check at the gate is supposed to take two minutes, but now it is taking three or four times longer.

“There are usually about 7,000 movements a day but now our members are struggling to meet half of that figure,” he said.

“When we delay pick-up, there will be storage charges of a minimum MYR300 ($70) per container. We are forced to absorb the charges even though it is not our fault.” Nazari lamented.