Sabah’s Sepanggar port congestion is being tackled through delayed capacity upgrades, with the state monitoring project timelines closely.
KOTA KINABALU: Congestion at the Teluk Sepanggar Container Port is being addressed through efforts to upgrade and increase the port’s infrastructure capacity.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the upgrading project is being implemented but is facing delays, requiring serious attention.
The state Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister said every extension of time directly impacts operational smoothness and the state’s economy.
“Efforts to upgrade and increase the capacity at the Sepanggar port are ongoing, despite the delays, and the fourth extension of time,” he said in a statement.
Ewon expressed hope the project can be completed on schedule, noting his responsibility to monitor its implementation.
He said any delay in the upgrading project at Sepanggar port is a loss to Sabah.
Ewon was speaking after a comprehensive briefing on port performance during his official visit to the Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS).
He said his ministry and the LPPS need to move in tandem to ensure all major port upgrading projects are completed on schedule.
This would increase handling efficiency and support the growth of trade in the state.
Ewon also shared the ministry’s focus following the expansion of the transport portfolio under his responsibility.
This includes efforts to ensure Sabah’s logistics network operates at an optimal level.
“I am confident LPPS will continue contributing to regulatory efforts for port development statewide, which can be a key enabler for industrial investment here,” he said.
He also hoped the Sabah First team at the LPPS will continue to be empowered to provide quality services.
According to him, the LPPS is also responsible for enforcing regulations on private jetties, including those operated by big factories.
This is to ensure that state revenue is not lost.
Ewon said the ministry will continue to cooperate with other ministries, especially those involved in routes between industrial parks and ports.
Cooperation between the state and Federal governments regarding Sabah’s industrial development needs will also continue.
From January to October this year, the LPPS handled a total of 445,054 TEUs of containers through three ports.
