Kota kinabalu: The Sepanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP) expansion project, initially slated for completion in February last year, has encountered significant delays despite being granted five extensions, as revealed during the Sabah State Legislative Assembly session today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick informed the assembly that DP World Sabah assumed management of the port in September 2024. However, the transition should have coincided with the completion or final phase of the expansion project. He emphasized that due to the ongoing status of the project and existing capacity constraints, it is currently not feasible to conduct a performance review or formal audit of DP World Sabah's management to evaluate its potential as a transhipment hub.
Ewon, who also serves as the state Minister of Development, Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, responded to an inquiry from Datuk Wong Hong Jun (Warisan-Tanjung Aru) regarding the establishment of operational performance targets with DP World since its management takeover of Sepanggar Port. He assured that the Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), as the regulatory body, will continuously monitor and assess the performance of port concession operators across Sabah, including DP World Sabah at SBCP.
He outlined that the performance indicators would encompass metrics such as the Average Waiting Time for Vessels to Anchor, container storage durations, and the rate of storage area utilization. Additionally, Ewon mentioned the implementation of ten Interim Action Plans aimed at alleviating congestion at SBCP, which include expanding container yards, revising tariff rates, enforcing regulations on containers exceeding storage periods, and reducing free storage periods during peak times.
Other measures include providing trailer parking at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, introducing a vehicle booking system, establishing 24-hour operations by government agencies at SBCP, upgrading port equipment, transferring RORO operations from SBCP to Kota Kinabalu Port, and employing the Berthing Window Programme (BWP).
On another note, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif highlighted the proactive efforts by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, through the Sabah Indigenous Affairs Department (JHEANS) and the Sabah Indigenous Affairs Council (MHEANS), to develop the Indigenous Court Training Institute (ILMAN). This initiative aims to document indigenous customs and laws in Sabah to preserve traditional heritage and foster strategic collaborations with Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA).
"This endeavor seeks to enhance the curriculum by integrating ILMAN as a professional academic learning center, thereby empowering customary leaders through more systematic and impactful training programs," he stated in response to Datuk Gulamhaidar Khan Bahadar (GRS-Kawang), who inquired about the steps being taken to ensure ILMAN's role as a reference and research center for state customs.