NORTHPORT ORGANISES EV HANDLING TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR CAR-CARRIER DRIVERS

PORT KLANG, 28 April 2025 – Northport (Malaysia) Bhd (“Northport”), a member of MMC Group, in collaboration with the Center for Logistics Leadership in Business (“CLLB”) Sdn Bhd and KPX Sdn Bhd (“KPX”), organised a training programme for car-carrier drivers aimed at enhancing the safety and operational efficiency in the handling and transportation of electric vehicles (“EV”). The Car Carrier Driver Training Programme for EV Handling was officially launched by the Minister of Transport, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, during a ceremony held at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Pulau Indah, Port Klang.

The programme, spearheaded by Northport, is designed to equip car-carrier drivers with the essential knowledge and practical skills required for the safe and efficient handling of EVs. The first batch of the training programme attracted 22 participants, comprising drivers and supervisors from 5 car-carrier companies. KPX, a strategic partner of CLLB, conducted the one-day training session.

“The launch of this Car-Carrier Driver Training Programme for EV Handling is both timely and commendable. As we accelerate the adoption of EVs in Malaysia, it is imperative that we prepare our industry and workforce to handle the associated logistical challenges, particularly ensuring the safe and efficient transport of EVs from ports to showrooms and customers nationwide,” said YB Anthony Loke during his speech at the launch event.

The training programme is part of the Electric Vehicle and Battery Management Guidelines (Industry Self-Regulation) (“EVBM Guidelines”) initiative, launched on 11 October 2024 during the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (“IGEM”) 2024 by Dato’ Hairil Yahri Yaacob, Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (“MITI”).

“Having been directly involved in the development of the EVBM Guidelines from the beginning, I am pleased to see this initiative being expanded with the launch of this training programme. I am confident that Northport will continue to work closely with the relevant Ministries and strategic partners to achieve the objectives of establishing a safe and sustainable EV ecosystem,” said Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MMC Port Holdings Sdn Bhd. 

The programme covers key topics including EV-associated hazards, basic EV mechanics, state of charge, thermal runaway, fire risks, safe loading and unloading procedures, lashing and securing techniques, pre-journey inspections and safe driving practices. A practical component was also included, allowing drivers to gain hands-on experience in applying safety procedures and best practices.

“This programme offers a comprehensive curriculum, combining both theoretical and practical training to ensure that participants are fully equipped with the critical knowledge and skills required for EV handling. By leveraging our experience and collaborating with CLLB and KPX, this initiative reflects our commitment to advancing and supporting the EV logistics ecosystem,” said Fakhrul Azhar Tajudin, Chief Executive Officer of Northport.

The Car-Carrier Driver Training Programme for EV Handling was coordinated by Northport through its training centre, the Northport International Centre of Excellence (“NICE”), in collaboration with CLLB and KPX. Established in 2014, NICE is an HRD Corp-accredited training centre and was appointed as a Pusat Latihan Bertauliah on 1 October 2023. CLLB, a HRD Corp registered training provider in Malaysia and pioneer in logistics and supply chain training since 2003, delivers industry-driven, globally accredited programs through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) that support sustainable development and empower professionals across Asia. KPX is a road transport safety specialist that provides consultancy and training services to logistics and oil and gas companies throughout Malaysia and Southeast Asia.