Shipping Firms Defer Sapangar Port Congestion Surcharge: Ewon

PENAMPANG, May 16 (Bernama) -- Shipping companies have agreed to defer the proposed congestion surcharge at the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) following a series of engagements with Sabah’s Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET).

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the decision followed continued negotiations between the ministry, shipping firms and port user associations.

“In this week alone, I held three meetings with shipping companies to seek the best possible solution.

“As they are confident in the measures being implemented on the ground, all the companies involved have officially informed us of their decision to defer the proposal,” he said.

Ewon, who is also Sabah MINDET Minister, said this while officiating at the Penampang district-level Kaamatan Festival celebration at Buhavan Square here today.

He described the deferment as a major achievement for the state government, noting that the surcharge would ultimately have increased costs for consumers through the supply chain.

“If it had proceeded, consumers would have borne the additional cost. With the proposal now deferred, I believe we can focus on improving governance and operational efficiency at the port,” he said.

To improve efficiency, Ewon said the port operator had introduced a new initiative known as the ‘berthing window programme’.

He said the programme was specifically designed to improve maritime logistics operations and reduce vessel congestion at SBCP.

Meanwhile, Ewon said the state government had been proactive in addressing congestion issues at the Sepanggar container port, which has drawn public attention.

“Since February, we have established a task force and have monitored the implementation of measures under the action plan approved by the state Cabinet almost every week,” he said.

Expressing hope that the issue would be resolved swiftly for the sake of the state economy, he also called on all parties in Penampang, regardless of political affiliation, to remain united in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda.

-- BERNAMA