It is the second strike in less than six months and is causing daily losses of an estimated RM1 billion, disrupting industrial activity in Asia's fourth-largest economy, which is set to slump next year.

The strike is causing an estimated RM1 billion in losses daily and disrupting industrial activity at a time when Asia's fourth-largest economy expects a slump in growth to 1.7% next year.

Thousands of unionised truckers kicked off their second major strike seeking better pay and working conditions in less than six months.

With fuel costs soaring, the truckers are calling on the government to make permanent a minimum-pay system and to expand benefits for truckers in other industries, including oil tankers.

Major trucking unions have threatened to begin a nationwide strike after talks to reach a compromise with the government over pay and fuel price subsidies failed.

The truckers called the strike to protest over sharp rises in fuel prices – with inflation at its highest level in more than a decade – and the ending of a minimum wage guarantee.

The industrial action has disrupted shipments and production for the crucial steel, petrochemical and automobile sectors, in an early test for new President Yoon Suk-yeol who has vowed to deal with labour disputes 'strictly'.

Demonstrators had used hundreds of trucks and vehicles to block the city since Jan 28, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to invoke rarely used emergency powers.

Hundreds of heavily armed officers gathered in the early morning on the edges of downtown Ottawa for the start of a gradual clearance process that could take days.

The demonstrations have inspired copycat protests around the globe, including in France, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia.

Protesters closest to the bridge were seen moving back peacefully.

A Canadian judge granted an injunction ordering the protesters – estimated to number a few hundred, along with several dozen trucks – to leave the bridge by 7pm.