NST, November 11th, 2002 - WESTPORT Malaysia has introduced a security measure called the Smart Card Security Systems (SSCS) to reduce the risk of loss or theft of inbound containers.

WESTPORT Malaysia has introduced a security measure called the Smart Card Security Systems (SSCS) to reduce the risk of loss or theft of inbound containers.

The security measures, which became partly operational on October 31, allows the secure identification of all involved in the chain clearing of containers coming into Malaysia.

According to Westport, the SCSS should boost the confidence of cargo owners who import goods through Westport as the system significantly reduces the risk of loss or theft and enhances container safety.

In the unlikely event of a missing container, the information captured by the security system will aid the investigation and recovery efforts.

"The objective of the SCSS is to ensure that there will be more precise verification and authentication for forwarding agents and hauliers," Westport information technology manager Lim Loong Kong said in press statement released in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.

Lim said the traditional system had few loopholes that new security measures will eliminate and provide high level protection using built-in security logics.

The SCSS requires forwarding agents and hauliers, the most important outside parties involved in the clearing of local containers, to identify themselves using a smart card issued by the port.

The smart card contains in digitized format the picture and the particulars of the card holder.

The forwarding agent will produce his smart card along with other documents, to collect the gate pass, which he would pass to the haulage driver. The driver will then use the gate pass along with his smart card when he seeks entry at the port gates.

All the transaction will be electronically recorded and stored in a database.

Westport said the success of the new system depends on the acceptance by the forwarding agents and hauliers.

To encourage its usage, the smart cards are currently issued free. The reception has so far been encouraging. Since the application process began in September, more than 100 forwarding companies and 200 agents have been issued with a smart card each.

Westport customer service representative Malini Ganapathy said the company gets about 20 application forms a day.