Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister and Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick (pic) reaffirmed his commitment to leading efforts to address port-related issues in Sabah through close engagement with all stakeholders.
He said the State Government, through his ministry, has consistently considered feedback from industry players, including the Sabah Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (Saffla), while implementing 10 interim measures to ease congestion at Sepanggar Container Port pending its expansion.
Ewon said the measures include relocating roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) operations, developing additional container storage areas, upgrading port infrastructure and operations, reviewing appeals on port charges and working with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department and relevant agencies towards 24-hour operations at the port.
He said strong cooperation between the government, agencies, industry players and port user associations is essential to strengthen Sabah's logistics and trade sector, adding that two new cranes will arrive next week for Tawau and Lahad Datu ports as part of ongoing improvements.
Speaking at Saffla's 33rd anniversary celebration at Hakka Hall on Saturday, Ewon expressed confidence that most port-related issues in Sabah could be resolved by the end of next year while thanking Saffla President Dato Johnson Dai and the association for their contribution to the State's economy and logistics industry.
