Port Klang, 17th July 2008: Westports Malaysia is fully aware of the staff problems in terms of fuel price increases, toll increases, utilities cost increases and the general increase in terms of food, etc. All this will affect employees’ purchasing power. Yet, the port is also keen for the employees’ to continuously improve productivity standards and turnaround for vessels faster.

The company is also aware that the government has increased the salaries of government servants and as such, undertook several resources that will be useful to maintain employees’ morale and productivity.

“On 8th June following the fuel price increase and the Tenaga price increases, we have improved the incentive scheme, introduced higher allowance to help employees cushion the effects of all round price increases,” said Tan Sri G.Gnanalingam, Westports Executive Chairman.

First of all, staff income has been increased by RM50 each in the form of shift allowance or salary increase.

Secondly, a new incentive scheme for all operational staff was increased so that on average, they will be able to take RM 300-500. As for Terminal Equipment Operators, made up of Quay Crane Drivers, RTG Drivers, Stackers and Prime Mover Drivers, the incentive payout was increased for attainment of better moves per hour (mph). The incentive scheme for Mechanical and Repair (M&R) technicians, measured by breakdown hours/equipment, ranged from RM150 to RM450.

The third area was that the company encouraged employees to switch their cars from petrol to gas by giving them a RM4,000 loan at 4% interest deductible over 24 months.

Fourthly, Westports announced the setting up of a full grocery store at its Business center for employees to ‘Jimat’ cost. The items to be sold initially will be rice, cooking oil, flour, milk powder, beverages and diapers. Employees will be permitted to buy goods with their e-purse only. This e-purse facility will also be increased from the current RM200 to RM300 per month and will take effect from August 1st.

Fifthly, all those who had loans with the company, either in the form of car loan, motorbike loan and 2 months salary advance, etc was increased in terms of payment duration from 18th months to 24 months

“At Westports, we had realised that workers tended to get into financial problems, even before the current oil and food price increases, because a member of the family fell sick, homes were affected by floods, there was a wedding to organise or university fees to be paid. There were also previously cases of some 200 workers who were absent and did not go home at the end of the month because loan sharks were waiting for them.

“To overcome these financial woes, we introduced a two-month advance for workers who needed cash immediately. They did not have to provide a reason and the repayment was deducted from their salary. We found that the rate of absenteeism and medical leave dropped,” noted Tan Sri Gnanalingam.

The port is also encouraging the setting up of a car pool exchange for employees who want to save on traveling cost.

“The Malaysian population expressed their votes on 8th March 2008 when they went to the polls, and their voices resonate with the call for democracy, good governance and the rule of law. However, we seem to be depending too much on the government to do a lot of things for us. In this difficult times, we should also help, especially our own employees,” said Tan Sri Gnanalingam.