“The participation in the C-TPAT is essentially to ensure PTP’s status as a safe port and to be part of a global supply chain worldwide.

 

“This is a positive move not only for PTP, but also for global trade. The implementation of this initiative is currently underway with the US Customs Service,” Mohd Sidik told Business Times.

 

The programme encompasses security procedures, physical security, personal security, education and training and access controls.

 

Recognising that two of its main line operators — Maersk Sealand and Evergreen — have significant trade with the US both in terms of local exports and transhipment, PTP said it welcomes the US Customs Service’s move as a positive initiative to create a standard supply chain security worldwide.

 

“PTP is a major transhipment hub regionally. With this partnership, we will also be able to offer our customers’ security and comfort in shipping goods to the US and other markets.

 

“Our participation will also enable PTP to be utilised as a hub for goods from other ports, which do not have similar facilities,” said Mohd Sidik.

 

He added that besides the C-TPAT, PTP has also encouraged the Malaysian Government to fast track participation in the Container Security Initiative (CSI), yet another programme launched by the US Customs Service in January to prevent terrorists from smuggling weapons of mass destruction into the US.

 

On August 8, Business Times reported that Malaysia has agreed to participate in the CSI, involving cargo at the country’s ports being screened before shipment to the US.

 

The US Customs Service is starting this programme with the world’s 20 largest seaports. Port Klang (comprising Northport and Westport) is on the list, being ranked 12th last year.

 

When contacted by Business Times yesterday, Westport executive chairman Tan Sri G Gnanalingam said the port is now working with the US Customs Service towards implementing the security requirements in accordance with the CSI guidelines. Full implementation is expected before year-end.

 

But unlike the CSI that targets the world’s 20 largest seaports, C-TPAT is a joint US government-business initiative. Any company that imports in the US may apply to become a C-TPAT participant.

 

BP America, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co, General Motors Corp, Motorola, Sara Lee and Target are C-TPAT’s first participants.

 

By participating in the C-TPAT programme, members’ goods will receive expedited processing while entering the US.

 

But first of all, participants must sign an agreement committing them to conduct self-assessment of their supply chain security.

 

Participants also need to submit a supply chain security questionnaire to the US Customs, and then develop a supply chain security programme in accordance with the C-TPAT guidelines.