KUALA LUMPUR – The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has been urged to address the delays in processing Domestic Shipping Licenses (DSL) promptly.

Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy, CEO of Maritime Network Sdn Bhd, criticized the recent three-day processing time set by the ministry, citing significant delays and financial losses.

Jeyenderan noted that the situation is exacerbated by the MOT’s weekend closures.

“The three-day period is unnecessary as the Marine Department, the main authority, can verify all documents in just 15 to 20 minutes. They are highly efficient, so we are perplexed as to why the MOT cannot expedite the DSL application process to 24 hours,” he told MalayaDailyToday.

With over 23 years of experience in the shipping industry, Jeyenderan highlighted that the current system’s inefficiency adversely affects the economy, particularly for spot cargo requiring swift processing.

“For example, PETRONAS is significantly impacted, affecting the national economy and indirectly, all Malaysians.

“Therefore, we believe the MOT should collaborate with the Marine Department to speed up this process immediately,” he added.

Jeyenderan emphasized that stakeholders are not disputing the fees associated with DSL but are entitled to express concerns about processing times.

“We urgently need the MOT to streamline operations to meet industry needs,” he stressed.

Previously vocal on shipping issues, Jeyenderan described the 72-hour approval period for all procedures under the Cabotage Policy as detrimental to shipping companies.

“The new regulation requiring all ships dealing with more than one local port to obtain a DSL complicates matters further, making the 72-hour period set by the MOT unacceptable.

“While we support government policies, we also hope that the perspectives of industry players striving to strengthen the national economy are reconsidered,” he concluded.

MOT announced on May 29 that all ships engaging with more than one local port must possess a valid DSL effective 1st June 2024. – MalayaDailyToday