Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation has drafted and coordinated an Interim Action Plan to address congestion at the Teluk Sapangar Container Port.
Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, also State Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said the Interim Action Plan is a temporary mitigation measure while waiting for the completion of the ongoing port expansion project.
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“The interim plan that has been approved by the (State) Cabinet focuses on optimising existing capacity, more efficient container flow management and enforcing port operational regulations," he said, in a statement, Friday.
Ewon said among the main steps outlined and will be implemented is the creation of additional temporary containers to increase container storage capacity and reduce congestion in the port area.
“This facility is expected to commence operations by the end of March this year, subject to the completion of site preparation works and related operational requirements.
“Revised container storage tariff rates will also be implemented to encourage faster container clearance, thereby reducing congestion in container storage areas," he said.
“The State Government will also strengthen enforcement on containers that exceed the allowed storage period.
“Records show that 120 containers have exceeded the stipulated storage period, including 103 containers that have been cleared by the Customs Department but are still at the port, some of which have been there for more than a year,” he said.
As a result, Section 46 of the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment (LPPS) 1981 will be enforced to allow the disposal or auction of these containers.
Furthermore, in a bid to increase the container turnaround rates, the free storage period for containers during peak seasons will be reduced from five days to three days.
Ewon said to support the smooth flow of logistics operations, a trailer parking site at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) has been identified for use.
“This initiative is aimed at reducing congestion in the port area as well as to streamline the movement of trailers and containers in and out.
"All involved transportation companies will be required to fully utilise the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) as part of their operational requirements to arrange vehicle movements in a more planned and controlled manner," he said.
He said overall, the implementation of the Interim Action Plan is important from the perspective of immediate operational needs and its direct impact on reducing congestion.
“The Ministry is confident that these measures are capable of maintaining the competitiveness of the Sapangar Bay Container Port, ensuring the continuity of the supply chain, and preserving the confidence of industry players and investors until the expansion of the Sapangar Bay Container Port is fully completed.
“I will personally monitor the implementation of this Interim Action Plan and continue to engage with all stakeholders, including those responsible for the port expansion project, which has been delayed,” he added.
Ewon also said he will visit Sandakan Port and Tawau Port as part of ongoing efforts to improve port management in the State.
