Implementing a lockdown is necessary in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it is undeniable that it can disrupt businesses throughout. Sharing on this topic, head of Ninja Van Malaysia, Adzim Halim details the challenges faced by the logistic company during and after the lockdown.
Keeping up with the spike of online purchases
In his recent announcement, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin warned the public not to be too complacent despite the low number of Covid-19 cases in Malaysia. He further warned that if there is any spike in the number of cases, there would be another lockdown enforced to control the spread.
With lockdown, he mentioned, came complications and struggles. Just like any other businesses, the recent Malaysian movement control order (MCO) affected logistic companies like Ninja Van.
Speaking to the head of Ninja Van Malaysia, Adzim Halim, the implementation of the lockdown forced the company to innovate their operations “While taking the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we continued our seamless delivery experience to our customers throughout the MCO period and now.”
Adzim disclosed that during the lockdown in March, there had been disruptions to Ninja Van’s operational processes and supply chain operations, “For example, the limited hours allowed for business operations also means that our delivery times have been reduced. This was further compounded by Ramadhan, where our delivery team had to break fast in addition to adhering to the SOPs set by the government.”
Apart from that, the decrease in passenger flights between West and East Malaysia was also a challenge for the logistic company. “This has ultimately caused an increase in air freight rates as well as delays for our East Malaysia deliveries,” he revealed. However, despite the difficulties, Ninja Van will continue to navigate and operate in the new normal, he assured.
In the initial stages of the lockdown, Ninja Van saw a decrease in deliveries.
Ninja Van ensures that their staff is equipped with face masks and hand sanitisers when handling parcels. 
In the initial stage of the lockdown, Ninja Van saw a decrease in deliveries.
However, it began increasing as sellers began to normalise their operations.
“Since then, we have seen a general increase in volume,” Adzim said. The numbers continue to increase to this day, as more and more traders and consumers began to rely on e-commerce.
As one of the country’s largest logistic company, Ninja Van also saw an increase in the number of deliveries for household essentials as well as household appliances such as televisions, microwaves, and furniture — on top of the usual. And since the lockdown dragged on up until Raya, Adzim recalled observing an increased in shipments for Raya clothes in particular.
According to him, to cope with the surge, Ninja Van quickly provided solutions that SMEs can leverage on. “Hence, we have been able to manage the increasing number of deliveries during this unpredictable time.”
Furthermore, the company introduced new services and processes to adapt to the new normal and encourage contactless deliveries. “We also make sure that our team members are equipped with face masks and hand sanitisers to keep their hands clean while handling parcels.”
Apart from that, to keep up with the spike in online purchases, Ninja Van Malaysia expanded their warehouse team, Adzim shared.
During operating hours, Adzim is the head of Malaysia’s Ninja Van. But, in his free time, Adzim enthusiastically nurtures his love for music and occasionally showcases his talents as a DJ and guitarist.
An engineering graduate with years of experience in the field, Adzim joined the logistic company in Singapore in 2015 with zero knowledge of the industry. He started delivering packages during the day and sorting parcels at night, and he later returned to Malaysia as part of the founding team for the country.
He proved that anything can be achieved when you put your heart and soul into it. Being the head of Ninja Van Malaysia, he now leads a team of over 2000 passionate individuals.
