Malaysia’s prime sea gateway, Port Klang has been facing severe disruptions in port operations after its terminals, yards, warehouses, depots, and access roads are inundated and damaged by heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Additionally, the major parts of the Klang Valley have been inundated by heavy rainfall causing severe flooding in many areas over the weekend. At least half a dozen people died and nearly 50,000 are displaced across the country due to the heavy rain induced flood.
The Port Klang authority said the port’s terminals of Northport, Westports, and Southport were adversely affected, while the warehouses and empty container depots in the surrounding areas have gone underwater disrupting port and logistics operations.
“To make matters worse, many port and logistics operations staff are unable to report to work due to travel difficulties,” the authority said in an official statement.
“Hence movement of containers and cargoes to/from the port are expected to be severely affected and deliveries will be delayed for the next several days,” the statement added.
It said vessel berthing is also facing delays due to the inclement weather which has caused a backlog of ships at the outer anchorage with many more expected to arrive over the coming days.
“The Port Klang Authority is working closely with the port and logistics industry players to optimise the available resources and do everything possible to ensure the continuance of port and logistics operations,” noted the port authority, which said that priority will be given to deliveries of essential goods, particularly food items, medical supplies and refrigerated goods.
The port authority urged the terminal operators, forwarding agents, haulier companies and goods clearing government agencies to come together during these “difficult times to assist and ensure goods are able to reach the markets and minimise the despair faced by the public”.
“In these challenging times, we urge the port and logistics community to extend the required aid to local communities who are affected by the floods by reaching out to your community leaders to find out how you can be of assistance,” said the authority.
Sharar Nayel
Asia Correspondent
