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Kota Kinabalu: The State Government is continuing efforts to address congestion at the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) through the implementation of eight interim action plans and two newly approved initiatives.

The Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry (Mindet) said among the measures undertaken were the preparation of an additional 14-acre storage area, implementation of new tariff rates and the reduction of free container storage during peak periods from five days to three days to ease congestion at container yards.

Mindet said the Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), together with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, is also coordinating standard operating procedures on the disposal and auction of overdue containers, while all relevant government agencies have agreed to support 24-hour port operations, including on public holidays, subject to prior application and notification.

The Ministry said the mandatory implementation of the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) for all lorry operators from April 1 was aimed at regulating scheduled truck entry into the port, while port operator DPW Sabah is upgrading handling equipment through the rental and procurement of additional Reach Stackers, Internal Transfer Vehicles and Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes in stages until 2027.

Mindet said the Cabinet meeting on May 13 also approved the temporary relocation of RORO operations from SBCP to Kota Kinabalu Port effective May 15 and the implementation of the Berthing Window Programme from May 22, with both initiatives expected to improve container unloading capacity and reduce vessel congestion at the port.