Murata Launches Maiden Milk Run Cross-Border Trucking Initiative

IPOH, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Multinational electronics company, Murata Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, has launched its first milk run cross-border trucking initiative at the Ipoh Cargo Terminal Sdn Bhd (ICT).

Murata Electronics (Malaysia) managing director Yukio Kishigami said the milk run cross-border trucking is between Murata companies in Thailand to Ipoh and Singapore.

“This cross-border trucking will only be a one-way trip from Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. We are working with our Murata group to make it a completely round trip from Thailand to Singapore and return as a total milk run concept. 

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“If all goes as planned, we will consider expanding to Vietnam. This cross-border trucking is an important milestone not only for Murata Malaysia but also for the Customs Department and ICT, hopefully promoting Ipoh as a logistical hub,” he said in his speech, in conjunction with the first cross-border truck shipment by Murata connecting Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, here today.

Also present was Perak Customs Department director Datuk Abdul Ghafar Mohamad and ICT Sdn Bhd business development unit manager Rosnawati Ramli.

Established in 1994, Murata exports 90 per cent of its finished electronics goods globally.  In 2019, it was the first company in Perak to obtain the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.

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Kishigami said the proposal for the milk run cross-border trucking initiative was presented in 2023, and collaborative efforts involving the Customs Department, ICT and various stakeholders since January last year have made the initiative a reality.

Rosnawati said Murata Electronics (Malaysia) has played a significant role in supporting regional economic growth and providing innovative solutions for the global market.

She stated that through the cross-border truck delivery initiative, ICT will continue to enhance operational efficiency and facilitation services to ensure that Murata’s products reach customers more quickly and efficiently, without compromising safety and legal aspects.

“The selection of ICT as the cross-border movement hub is the right choice, in line with ICT’s role as the entry and exit point for import and export activities worldwide, where Customs declaration and form submission can be processed here,” Rosnawati said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Ghafar said the cross-border truck delivery initiative would ease the movement of Murata’s goods across borders, with the company benefiting from tax exemptions if the goods are for export purposes only.

“Because Murata involves three countries, this initiative will simplify their logistics. If it enters through Bukit Kayu Hitam or Padang Besar, they would have to go through checks and pay taxes, which is troublesome for the company.

“They need to declare Customs forms and come to ICT without having to pay taxes. We control the goods, we seal the containers so that they cannot be opened anywhere except at the ICT warehouse,” he said.

-- BERNAMA