KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Small & Medium Industries (SMI) Association of Malaysia is urging the government to settle the ongoing haulage strike at the country's premier port and gateway, Port Klang, which has entered its third day.

The association said all relevant parties, including the Ministry of Transport, International Trade and Industry Ministry and Port Klang Authority, should settle the problem amicably and with much urgency.

"Our members are facing tough competition from external competition and the last thing we need is internal strikes.

"The strike has caused a backlog in the clearance of import containers and demurrage, storage and removal charges is imminent and delays of returning empties to depots especially importers with limited container parking space and high traffic areas.

"Members who are exporting will face the problem of delays and non performance and may be penalised if exports dates are not honoured on time," SMI Malaysia said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA