FOREIGNERS are not allowed to drive trailers, despite pressure from the industry to overcome a shortage of drivers, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

Citing data on the country’s haulage for 2022, Loke said there were 766 haulage companies with 16,465 prime movers and 61,616 trailers, while there were 12,326 drivers.

“The government’s stand so far is not to allow foreigners to drive trailers, despite industry players insisting that more drivers are needed to make the country competitive,” he told a media conference after chairing the national logistics task force meeting in Putrajaya today.

To overcome the problem, Loke said the port authorities had been asked to find drivers lacking the Class E licence for heavy goods vehicles.

“We want to train drivers working in port areas, so they can apply for a Class ‘E’ licence and a goods driver licence,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said there were various disputes between the logistics companies (shippers) and the shipping company (shipping line) on depot charges.

“They are asking the government to regulate container depots so that there is a legal framework that includes management of the charges and standard services.

“If unable to achieve the standards, the government through the Land Public Transport Agency can impose action on the depot operator,” he said.

Commenting on the seizure of 336kg of heroin in a container from Malaysia to Brisbane, Australia, on March 13, Loke said he did not have detailed information about it, but insisted that the ministry was taking a serious view of the matter and would investigate it. – Bernama, April 11, 2023.