KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Marine Department (JLM) said today it has been implementing Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) in Port Klang after the implementation of the movement control order (MCO 3.0).
JLM said in a statement that SOPs are being updated and adhered to at all times in the port operation area.
The statement came in response to reports about confusion over Covid-19 rules at Port Klang.
It said following the recent confusion over SOPs for the maritime industry, JLM has coordinated uniformity towards shipping operations activities in the port area.
The statement added that JLM in collaboration with the port authority and other related government agencies had always supported the efforts of the Health Ministry (MoH) in curbing the spread of the pandemic.
The department also said all ships entering the port area from India are not required to undergo the 14-day quarantine process at sea.
The Maritime Health Declaration of the ships will be inspected by MoH and given free pratique before being allowed to enter and approach the pier to carry out operations.
Free pratique is essentially the permission given to a ship to enter a port on the assurance that she is free from contagious diseases.
Ships will only be ordered to undergo a 14-day quarantine at sea, if her crew is suspected of being at high-risk of the coronavirus.
Port workers and land individuals are allowed to board the ships for cargo activities, and they are required to wear masks and gloves.
If they require interaction with any of the crew on board or enter any cabin space, all such individuals will need to also use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face shields and aprons.
However, the use of full PPE by both parties is based on a risk assessment that will be determined by the port authority taking into account the advice of both JLM and MoH.
The statement also said JLM is committed to being a coordinating agency that monitors safety, health and economic factors in the country’s shipping sector. – The Vibes, May 14, 2021
