INTERIM ACTION PLAN FRAMED TO ADDRESS CONGESTION ISSUES AS SEPANGGAR PORT

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- 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.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the Interim Action Plan is a temporary mitigation measure while waiting for the completion of the ongoing port expansion project.

“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 here today.

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.

Ewon said that 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 also said that overall, the implementation of this 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," he added.

-- BERNAMA