Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Accreditation of freight forwarders

The Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders (FMFF) has agreed in principle to introduce accreditation to players in the logistics industry, in an effort to raise the quality of freight forwarders in the country.

Selangor Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SFFLA) president Tan Ah Beng said the idea is to accredit proven, financially sound and professional companies providing logistics services.

He was speaking to reporters in Port Klang recently, after signing a memorandum of understanding with Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd, for the telecommunications provider to offer its members Celcom Business mobile solutions at attractive rates.

SFFLA has also implemented a professional capacity building programme for its members which will lead to a diploma and even up to a degree in logistics.

The organisation has conducted five foundation courses and the first certificate module in freight forwarding will be ready soon.

"The professional capacity building programme is imperative if we are to ensure professionalism in the logistics industry," Tan said.

The Special Services Capacity Development programme proposed by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry is also expected to work well with the overall strategy of SFFLA/FMFF.

The fund would support among others accreditation, training, information technology investment and merger and acquisitions.

Under the strategic partnership, Celcom will provide voice and data plans to SFFLA's 500-odd members, who will have the choice to select the business postpaid plan that fits their specific needs and budget.

"Communications systems and tools make up about 20 per cent of costs, so by ensuring savings in that area we are reducing our costs significantly," Tan said.

In conjunction with the event, a talk by the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority was also given on incentives for integrated logistics service providers.

"This is part of our ongoing education and training programme to keep our members up to date with the latest information and development relevant to the logistics industry," Tan said.

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