KOTA KINABALU: Shipping companies are postponing their planned “congestion surcharge” at the Sapanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP) here following negotiations with the state, says Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also the state Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the decision was reached following meetings and negotiations between his ministry, shipping companies, and port user associations.
“This week alone, I held three meetings with shipping companies to discuss and find the best solution to the issue.
“I managed to meet them, and because they are confident with what we are doing and what they see on the ground, all the shipping companies that initially wanted to introduce the surcharge have officially informed that they are postponing the plan,” he told reporters after launching the Penampang-level Kaamatan Festival at Buhavan Square near here on Saturday (May 16).
Ewon said the decision was a major success as the surcharge would ultimately burden consumers.
“If implemented, it would affect the service chain and eventually we, as end users, would bear the cost. But after discussions and the decision not to proceed by the shipping companies, I am confident we can now focus on matters that contribute to governance efficiency and port operations,” he said.
He also announced that port operators have introduced a new initiative known as the berthing window program to improve operational efficiency and reduce vessel congestion at the port.
Ewon stressed that the state government has never remained silent in addressing congestion issues at the Sapanggar container port, which has become a matter of public concern.
“Since February, we have formed a task force and almost every week we monitor the implementation of the action plan agreed upon in Cabinet,” he said.
On Friday (May 15), Ewon said the state government had introduced eight temporary action plans and two new initiatives to ease worsening congestion at Sepanggar Bay Container Port.
The measures included expanding container storage areas, implementing 24-hour operations and tightening cargo movement controls aimed at improving cargo flow and reducing delays.
An additional one-hectare area for container storage, reducing the free container storage period during peak seasons from five days to three days, as well as the introduction of new tariff rates to improve container turnover efficiency.
He said the Sabah Ports Authority is also working together with the Customs Department in coordinating the procedures for disposal and auction of overdue containers, especially containers that had been left at the port for more than 21 days and perishable goods exceeding 24 hours.
