Port Klang, 1st August 2008: Westports Malaysia today opened a ‘G-Mart’ store aimed at helping staff cope with the current increases in food prices. It is a cash-less shopping concept where staff need only produce their identity tags to purchase via their e-purse. This e-purse facility, introduced in 2002 with a credit limit of RM200, has been increased to RM300 per month with effect from August 1st.

Westports is investing about RM250,000 into the G-Mart store to assist 3,000 staff who are faced with financial difficulties to manage cashflow problems due to the rising costs of food and fuel.

“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.

“Westports is setting up this 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 and beverages. These are commonly used items and will be increased based on staff feedback. Notably, staff are able to purchase these food items on credit at retail prices,” noted Westports Executive Director. Mr. Ruben Emir Gnanalingam.

Westports has introduced several measures that will be useful to maintain employees’ morale and productivity. In June, following the fuel price increase and the Tenaga price increases, the port improved staff incentive scheme and introduced higher allowance to help employees cushion the effects of all round price increases. Staff income has been increased by RM50 to RM100 each in the form of shift allowance or salary increase.