WESTPORTS this year welcomes back the Royal Malaysian Customs operations back to its premises, which will benefit freight forwarders and container hauliers in Port Klang.

Previously, they had to travel to the Selangor Customs Headquarters located about 3km away from the port. Any rejection of papers needs immediate appeal and the hassle of having to take the task to another location has hampered timeliness and to a great extent, their efficiency.

"We are very happy that the Customs Department has decided to place back its officers within the port itself. This will help us save a lot of time and increase our efficiency," said Teh Wai Keong of the Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association, which represents 450 companies.

"Our members are delighted with this noble solution as they can take advantage to better manage their time, be more efficient, competitive and have higher productivity.

"A one-stop centre in the premises of the port itself will better facilitate the operations.

"The collection of gate pass is now very fast and easy. Previously, it took hours but now it's done within minutes," Teh said in a statement.

The Customs office is now located at the Westports Business Centre, which also houses the Westports Document Centre, which is frequented by freight forwarders and container hauliers for container clearance.

"As Westports grows and develops with increasing container traffic, the relocation of Customs will provide convenient access to clients.

"In addition, this relocation will undoubtedly assist Customs in its vital role in continuing to provide services close to the active part of the port," added Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, executive director of Westports Malaysia.

Westports has set a target of five million TEUs for this year. Container will continue to be the key revenue growth in 2008. The drive will come from its main line customers who continue to use Westports as their transshipment hub.

The NST, 14.01.2008