Congestion at Borneo's Sapangar Port has become a critical concern for Sabah's economy, with delays in the expansion project worsening supply chain pressures, reported Borneo's Jesselton Times.
Former Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia president Hj Ramli Amir said the public has not been given clear details on the specific operational problems affecting the port. He noted that issues have only been described in general terms, making accountability difficult.
Congestion is already raising logistics costs and undermining the competitiveness of Sabah's industries and entrepreneurs. Without clarity on whether bottlenecks lie in gate operations, documentation, depot coordination, yard management, equipment use or manpower, solutions remain vague.
The Sapangar Port expansion project, aimed at boosting annual capacity from 500,000 to 1.2 million TEU, has been delayed, leaving current facilities struggling to cope with demand. The delay is seen as a major structural cause of congestion.
Dr Ramli said operational improvements are important but cannot substitute for the additional capacity and improved layout the expansion will deliver. Each month of delay intensifies pressure on infrastructure, raises costs and weakens Sabah's position as a logistics hub.
He urged the government to prioritise completion of the expansion, enforce strict timelines for contractors, improve coordination among stakeholders and report progress transparently. Authorities should also explain the specific operational issues identified and present short-term measures to ease congestion during construction.
https://www.shippingazette.com/news?news_id=9260100000425
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