Citing data for 2022, Loke said there were 766 haulage companies with 16,465 prime movers and 61,616 trailers, while the number of drivers stood at 12,326.

“The government’s stand so far is to not allow foreigners to drive trailers, despite industry players insisting that more trailer drivers are needed to make the country competitive,” he told a press conference here.

Loke said port authorities have been asked to work with port operators to overcome the problem as there were trailer drivers who did not have the Class E licence which would enable them to drive any type of commercial heavy vehicle with unladen weight exceeding 7,500kg.

“We want to train drivers who work in the port area so that they can apply for the Class E licence and a Goods Driver Licence (GDL). That will give them the option to be a haulier driver when they leave the port.”

Regarding the management of container depots, he said there were various disputes between logistics companies (shippers) and the shipping company (shipping line) on the charges at the depot.

“(Stakeholders) are asking the government to regulate container depots so that there is a legal framework that includes management of the charges and standard services.

“If (they are) unable to achieve the standards, the government through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) can impose action on the container depot operator,” he said.