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Kota Kinabalu: The President of the Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC), Datuk Michael Lui, has called on Sabah Ports Berhad and DP World Sabah Berhad to postpone the implementation of a new policy reducing the container berthing period from eight days to five days, scheduled to take effect on July 15, citing serious congestion at the Sepanggar Bay Container Terminal.

He warned that current delays at the port have already slowed down loading operations from one to two hours per container to three to four hours, with transporters now only able to move an average of two to three containers per day. 

“Hundreds of containers are left waiting. This is not just inefficient—it’s disruptive to the entire supply chain,” he said.

He stressed that implementing the five day berthing limit amid existing logistical bottlenecks would only worsen the situation. 

SUCCC is also urging port authorities to defer the imposition of demurrage, removal charges, and removal surcharges until the end of October 2025, giving time for improvements to be made.

These proposals were raised during a courtesy visit by SUCCC’s Logistics and Transportation Sub-Committee, led by Michael, to Sabah Ports and service contractor DP World Sabah. 

The group was received by Sabah Ports Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min and DP World Sabah’s Shafu Anbas, who both agreed to relay the suggestions to senior management.

Michael said the congestion must be resolved urgently, noting that only through full cooperation between all stakeholders—including Sabah Ports, DP World, shipping lines, freight forwarders, transporters, and traders—can a long-term solution be found.

He added that while the 17.2 per cent increase in container volume to 501,944 TEUs in 2024 and the total port throughput of 28.9 million tonnes reflect positive trade growth, the current infrastructure is not keeping pace.

The root of the problem, he explained, lies in space constraints at the port. 

The federal-funded expansion project is only 26 per cent complete, and Michael urged the federal government to expedite the release of funds to speed up construction and ease congestion.

“In the meantime, we appreciate DP World’s effort to introduce a vehicle booking system to help manage traffic, but that alone is not enough. 

“We must implement short, medium, and long-term measures to boost capacity and improve efficiency,” he said.

Michael, who is also President of the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI), said the inefficiencies at Sepanggar have wider economic implications, affecting imports, exports, business operations, and ultimately the livelihood of Sabahans.

“We must all play our part to ensure Sepanggar Bay evolves into a modern, efficient, and sustainable logistics hub for Sabah,” he said.