Sepanggar Port Congestion Being Addressed - Ewon

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The congestion issue at the Teluk Sepanggar Container Port is being addressed through efforts to upgrade and increase the capacity of the port's infrastructure, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The state Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister said the upgrading project is being implemented, but is facing delays, thereby requiring serious attention, as every extension of time has a direct impact on 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 (EOT).

"I hope the project can be completed on schedule. I have the responsibility to monitor its implementation because any delay in the upgrading project at Sepanggar port is a loss to Sabah,” he said in a statement today.

He said this after being given a comprehensive briefing on the current performance, role and development direction of ports across the state during his official visit to the Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS) here today.

Ewon said his ministry and the LPPS need to move in tandem to ensure all major port upgrading projects can be completed on schedule, thereby increasing handling efficiency and supporting the growth of trade in the state.

He also shared the ministry's focus following the expansion of the transport portfolio, now under his responsibility, including 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.

"I also hope that the Sabah First team at the LPPS will continue to be empowered to provide quality services to stakeholders,” he said.

According to him, the LPPS is also responsible for enforcing regulations on private jetties, including those operated by big factories, to ensure that state revenue is not lost.

"We at the ministry will continue to cooperate with other ministries, especially those involved in routes between the industrial parks and the ports, as well as cooperation between the state and the Federal governments regarding the industrial development needs of Sabah,” he said.

From January to October this year, the LPPS, through the Teluk Sepanggar Container Port, Tawau Port and Sandakan Port, handled a total of  445,054 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers.

-- BERNAMA