Ipoh: Multinational electronics company, Murata Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has launched its first milk run cross-border trucking initiative at the Ipoh Cargo Terminal (ICT). Murata Electronics (Malaysia) managing director Yukio Kishigami announced that the milk run cross-border trucking will connect Murata companies in Thailand, Ipoh, and Singapore.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative is currently a one-way trip from Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore, with plans to eventually create a round trip encompassing all three countries. If successful, the company will explore expansion to Vietnam. Kishigami emphasized that this development is significant not only for Murata Malaysia but also for the Customs Department and ICT, with the potential to elevate Ipoh as a logistical hub.

The event also saw the presence of Perak Customs Department director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad and ICT Sdn Bhd business development unit manager Rosnawati Ramli. Murata, established in 1994, exports 90 percent of its finished electronics globally and was the first company in Perak to achieve the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status in 2019.

Kishigami noted that the proposal for this initiative was presented in 2023, and collaborative efforts with the Customs Department, ICT, and other stakeholders since January last year have brought it to fruition. Rosnawati highlighted Murata’s role in fostering regional economic growth and providing innovative solutions for the global market, stating that ICT will enhance operational efficiency to ensure swift and safe delivery of Murata’s products.

Rosnawati also pointed out the strategic selection of ICT as the hub for cross-border movement, aligning with its role as a key entry and exit point for global import and export activities. This setup allows for efficient customs declaration and processing of forms directly at ICT.

Abdul Ghafar explained that the initiative will streamline Murata’s logistics across the three involved countries, offering tax exemptions for goods intended solely for export. This arrangement simplifies the logistics process, as it circumvents the need for checks and tax payments when entering through Bukit Kayu Hitam or Padang Besar. The goods will be sealed and controlled, ensuring they remain untouched until they reach the ICT warehouse.