KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA) has urged the State Government and port authorities to implement immediate and long-term measures to prevent a repeat of the recent congestion at Tawau Port.
STIA president Tan Peng Juan (pic) said traders are still reeling from delays caused by a month-long disruption involving broken cranes that left 200 export containers stranded at the port.
The association warned that current reliance on a single operational crane remains a major risk, and called for clear contingency plans and weekly updates to ensure accountability.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Tan confirmed Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) has committed to investing RM70 million in two new quay cranes, but said the earliest arrival would only be by year-end, leaving exporters exposed.
He added that STIA is considering rerouting shipments to POIC Lahad Datu Port despite added costs, as members seek reliable alternatives while urging the formation of a task force to monitor Tawau Port’s operations.