CSI to be implemented at PTP
New Straits Times
The Container Security Initiative (CSI), which requires security clearance of US-bound containers, will be expanded to Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) in Johor in a few months.
Royal Customs Department director-general Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib said the initiative had been fully implemented at Port Klang three days ago.
“The CSI will be officially launched on March 18,”Abdul Halil told reporters after launching 2004 WCO (World Customs Organisation) IT Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The CSI is an initiative developed by the US Customs following the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11 2001.
Under the scheme, the US Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are deployed to work with the Malaysian Customs to target high-risk cargo containers.
They will also ensure that the containers do not contain weapons of mass destruction.
US Customs Commissioner Robert Bonner recently said Port Klang was one of 18 ports worldwide covered by the CSI scheme.
Selangor Royal Customs Department deputy director Siti Aminah Abdullah said 12 Malaysian Customs officers are working with five CBP officers in the initiative at Port Klang.
‘We will ensure the scheme runs smoothly at Port Klang before expanding to PTP”, said Siti Aminah, who leads the 12-man team.
‘Nevertheless, we should introduce the CSI to PTP in the next few months.”
She said the CSI will not delay container shipments to the US.