KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, YB Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, has taken proactive steps to address congestion and operational concerns raised by local logistics and transportation stakeholders at Sepanggar Port.
After listening and receiving feedback from several key industry associations—including the Sabah Freight Forwarding & Logistics Association (SABFFLA), Persatuan Pengusaha Lori Kontena Kota Kinabalu (PPLKKK), and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Sabah (FMM Sabah)—the Minister conducted a follow-up visit to Sepanggar Port to engage directly with the operator, DP World, to obtain a clear understanding of the challenges on the ground and to explore effective solutions.
DP World, which officially took over the port operations on 9 September 2024, has since introduced various operational enhancements to increase port capacity and improve overall efficiency. During the visit, the Minister was briefed on the introduction of three new Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes to strengthen yard-side operations and reduce container movement bottlenecks.
Wharfside efficiency has shown significant improvement, with berthing waiting times drastically reduced compared to the Minister’s previous visit—an outcome that Phoong welcomed with satisfaction. Currently, there is no vessel congestion at the wharf, reflecting clear progress in ship-side operations.
However, congestion remains an issue at the port entrance and container yard, primarily due to a sharp increase in export volume, especially from key exporters like Kibing Group. This surge has contributed to an 11% year-to-date and year-on-year growth in TEUs as of May 2025, demonstrating Sabah’s strengthening export sector.
To address lorry and haulier congestion at the gate and yard areas, DP World will implement a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) in July 2025, aimed at regulating traffic flow and reducing queue times for hauliers through a structured appointment mechanism.
Futhermore, discussions with the Sabah Ports Authority confirmed that the expansion of Sepanggar Port is on track for completion by Q3 2026. This development will enable the port to accommodate higher volumes and elevate Sabah’s profile as a regional logistics hub.
Phoong commended DP World for its proactive engagement with stakeholders and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with all parties, including industry players and logistics associations.
“I would like to thank DP World for their continued cooperation and commitment to improving port services in Sabah. The State Government will continue working closely with all stakeholders—including SABFFLA, PPLKKK, SSAA and FMM Sabah—to ensure that these improvements bring tangible benefits to our local industries and contribute to the long-term development of Sabah’s economy.
The Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah remains committed to supporting our industry players, and I am confident that the port will continue to improve—enabling us to attract more investments and grow more industries in Sabah,” said Phoong.-pr/BNN
