KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is forming a special task force to ensure eight interim initiatives to address congestion at the state’s main Teluk Sepanggar Container Port here fulfil their goals.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the task force will ensure that the eight interim measures are carried out smoothly while also assessing their effectiveness in improving port operational efficiency.
“The state government is committed to tackling congestion at Sepanggar Port, given that the port is a key variable in Sabah’s industrial and entrepreneurial supply chain."
“In addition to road infrastructure and utilities such as water, electricity, and internet, one of the main questions investors will ask is about the efficiency of port operations,” said the state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister.
Ewon said this after chairing an engagement session with port stakeholders on Thursday (March 5). Stakeholders included representatives from state government agencies and departments, concession companies, port operators, port users and industry players represented by various associations.
Ewon said the engagement session was the first held by his ministry aimed at open-dialogue to ensure port-related issues can be addressed collectively.
During the session, the ministry presented the eight interim initiatives approved by the state Cabinet, while the port operator, DP World, briefed on efforts to improve assets and operational efficiency at the port.
He added that the respective government agencies also clarified issues involving them to ensure all parties understood the actual situation on the ground.
Ewon explained that congestion at Sepanggar Port is currently caused by several factors: delays in the port expansion project, increased industrial activity leading to higher container movement, and the unplanned use of the port for Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle operations.
