PORT KLANG is all set to take on the US-led container security initiative (CSI) that will see US Customs officers stationed at local terminals.

The terminals in North and West ports are equipped with container scanning machines and have enhanced security measures.

The ports’ security personnel are also prepared to deal with the requirements of the programme and have been made aware of the necessary measures involved.

They are now waiting for the go-ahead from Malaysian Customs and US officials as to when and how the CSI will be implemented locally.

“We have equipped and trained ourselves to meet the CSI requirements and regulations,” said Westport head of fire, security and safety Mahat Tumin.

“All that we are waiting for is for the Customs officials to arrive from the US to officially start the CSI,” he said during the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) director of management Datuk Kamarudin Ali’s visit to the port recently.

Kamarudin held talks with security heads from Malaysian ports, covering among others security issues, the CSI and the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities.

Two weeks ago, the US Homeland Security Department said it would extend the CSI to include ports in Muslim countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Malaysia.

Although these ports were not ranked among the main 20 with the most exports to the US, they have been marked as strategic locations where there were possibly a “high threat of terrorism.”

Mahat said US Customs officials were initially scheduled to come to Malaysia in May to discuss the CSI, but the trip had been postponed indefinitely.

We are not sure exactly when they will enforce it, but I am certain that the CSI will be up and running before the end of this year,” he said.

Westport recently spent RM2.5mil to upgrade its security facilities, including an ambulance, fire truck and rescue equipment, a rescue truck, a patrol car, two patrol motorcycles, a patrol boat and a full set of underwater rescue equipment.

“As Port Klang Authority has signed the initiative, all ports in Malaysia are required to be on par with the CSI regulations, and Westport’s purchases were to fulfil that part of the agreement,” Mahat said.

Checks with Northport officials also revealed the terminal was prepared infrastructure and personnel-wise to meet the CSI demands.

A container scanning machine has also been ordered by the Malaysian Customs for Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) and it will be installed at the port soon.

Another scanner will be placed at Westport.

Mahat said that since Malaysia had developed into an international hub for cargo originating from many countries, the country’s involvement with the CSI initiative was especially important.

“I think by signing the CSI, Malaysia will have an even better trading relationship with the US, which will be very good for both countries.

“The country already boasts some of the most modern port equipment in the world, and the CSI will force our ports to be even more up-to-date, especially on the security front,” he said, adding that Westport had trained its in-house security guards to be more self-reliant when performing rescues and handling crisis.

Selangor Customs director Datuk Wazir Muaz said he had yet to receive any details from the department’s headquarters as to when the US officers would be based in the state.

“I am not sure what the reason for the delay is. We are waiting for the US Customs to visit so that we can have more in-depth technical talks about how and what they require from us.

“In any case, we already have the facilities in place and would probably continue using our existing scanning machines and computer systems for the purpose,” he said.

Malaysia signed the CSI with the US in February this year, and was the 13th nation to participate in the programme.

Other countries which have signed the agreement are France, Belgium, Britain, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand and Japan.

Laem Chabang was the 20th port on the list ranked by volume of shipments to the US.

The second phase of the CSI will comprise another 20 to 25 foreign ports based on cargo volume and strategic location.

The extension reflects continuing concern that Al Qaeda and other terror groups will try to place weapons of mass destruction into some of the more than six million containers imported to the US yearly.