PETALING JAYA: The Pan-Malaysia Lorry Owners Association is urging the government to allow auto workshops to operate for certain hours in a day to attend to emergency cases.

Its president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said due to the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), all workshops were not allowed to operate as usual.

"But lorries are still plying the roads to help transport essential items and cargo shipments.

"These drivers may experience some technical and mechanical problems during the transportation process and as a result of the long journey.

"So far, a few of our members are facing problems when their lorries broke down halfway with no help in sight," he said.

Ng proposed for workshops to be open for limited hours from 9am to 4pm throughout the MCO period to cater to such emergency cases.

He said certain spare parts were also needed to be delivered on the spot for immediate repairs so that they could continue with the journey.

"We hope the National Security Council (NSC), Transport Ministry and other relevant authorities will look into our request urgently," he said on Monday (March 23).

The association has over 2,000 members in 12 states.

Port, dock, harbour and airport services, including all cargo handling and transportation (imported and exported cargo), as well as transport services by land, water or air are deemed "essential service" and will be operating as usual during the MCO period.

The MCO started on March 18 to March 31.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the NSC would meet before the MCO ends to decide if the two-week enforcement period was sufficient or need to be extended.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/03/23/lorry-owners-association-let-auto-workshops-operate-for-limited-hours