SANDAKAN: Former Tanjung Papat Assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon has called on the Sabah State Government to give immediate and serious attention to worsening congestion and operational issues at Sandakan Port, warning that continued delays could stifle the district’s economic recovery.
In a statement, Poon said he took note of the recent announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick on interim measures to address congestion at Sepanggar Port, but stressed that Sandakan must not be overlooked.
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He said Sandakan Port has recently faced severe operational problems, resulting in prolonged delays in the unloading of containers—an issue made more pressing with the approach of the Chinese New Year peak trading season.
“These delays have increased logistics and storage costs, disrupted supply chains, burdened traders and consumers, and further dampened local economic activity.
“If left unresolved, the situation could contribute to rising living costs, weaken business confidence, and slow Sandakan’s recovery,” he said.
Poon urged the State Government to urgently allocate time, resources and policy focus to resolve operational inefficiencies at the port, improve management and coordination, upgrade infrastructure and equipment, strengthen manpower, and ensure fair and efficient berthing and unloading schedules.
“Failure to act decisively risks creating the perception that these bottlenecks are structural and systemic, effectively stifling Sandakan’s economy rather than supporting it,” he added.
Highlighting Sandakan’s role as a key economic pillar for trade, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism and cross-border commerce, Poon noted that since 2020 the district has appeared increasingly neglected in infrastructure upgrading, logistics planning and strategic economic focus.
“Development efforts must not be concentrated only in Kota Kinabalu or the west coast. Balanced regional development requires Sandakan’s needs to be addressed with the same urgency and seriousness,” he said.
Poon emphasised that an efficient port is a basic economic necessity, not a luxury, and called for swift, transparent action and stakeholder engagement, including a clear action plan to enhance Sandakan Port for the benefit of Sandakan, Sabah and the wider state economy.
