Carl V Moosom
KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The implementation of the Sabah government’s 10 interim action plans and the establishment of a task force to address congestion at the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) have received the thumbs up from the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
KCCI’s Trade, Investment and Transport Industry Working Committee’s chairman Carl V Moosom said the chamber welcomes and fully supports the statement and comprehensive explanation delivered by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick on the matter.
Carl, who is also a KCCI’s Supreme Council member, said the proactive measures undertaken by the ministry and the Sabah government demonstrate a firm commitment to implementing practical solutions that will ensure the smooth flow of logistics, support business operations, and help maintain the stability of the cost of living for the people of Sabah.
Among KCCI’s key considerations are rising logistics costs and the potential increase in the prices of goods, he said.
“KCCI understands the concerns expressed by traders, importers and local entrepreneurs who have been affected by disruptions to the supply chain. The decision for the task force to be chaired personally by Datuk Ewon is both timely and appropriate in preventing higher handling costs from ultimately being passed on to businesses and consumers,” he said in a statement.
He also said KCCI believes the implementation of the 10 interim action plans is both practical and pragmatic.
“The combination of technical and operational measures—including the expansion of container yard capacity, the implementation of a Vehicle Booking System (VBS), 24-hour operations by enforcement agencies, the relocation of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) operations to Kota Kinabalu Port, and the implementation of the Berthing Window Programme (BWP)—provides a comprehensive short-term strategy to improve container flow and port efficiency,” explained Carl.
He concurred with the ministry’s explanation that the current congestion at SBCP is primarily the result of physical capacity constraints, with yard utilisation exceeding 100 per cent during peak periods, as well as delays in the port expansion project, rather than shortcomings in port management alone.
He noted that the reduction in the Average Berth Waiting Time from 66 hours to 20.24 hours demonstrates the early operational improvements achieved under DP World Sabah’s management.
“As a chamber representing a broad spectrum of Sabah’s trade and industrial sectors, KCCI stands ready to extend its full cooperation to the task force, the Sabah Ports Authority (LPPS), and local logistics operators to ensure the effective implementation of all interim measures,” he said.
Carl also shared that one of his fellow council members has more than two decades of experience in the logistics industry, while he himself previously led the private sector’s participation in the Sabah government’s regional development initiative known as BIMP-EAGA, which also encompassed transportation, port development and maritime connectivity.
“Sepanggar Port is the primary gateway for Sabah’s trade and supply chain. KCCI greatly appreciates Datuk Ewon Benedick’s responsiveness and the ministry’s swift action in establishing this dedicated task force. Efficient logistics management is crucial to maintaining investor confidence, facilitating the import and export activities of local businesses, and ensuring that the cost of goods for the people of Sabah remains under control,” he said.
He added that KCCI is fully committed to working closely with the ministry and all relevant agencies to ensure the successful implementation of these 10 interim measures.