Sabah has rolled out four short-term fixes to speed up shipping clearance and ease congestion at Sapangar Bay Container Port, as delays continue to disrupt businesses and supply chains.

In a statement, Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Ewon Benedick said the ministry had taken note of congestion issues at the port and, together with relevant agencies, had “formulated and coordinated an interim action plan as a temporary mitigation measure while awaiting the completion of the ongoing port expansion project.”

Benedick said the interim plan, approved by the state cabinet, focuses on “optimising existing capacity, improving container flow management and strengthening enforcement of port operating regulations.”

The first fix centres on creating space quickly. 

“… a temporary additional container yard near the Sapangar Bay Container Port will be established to increase container storage capacity and reduce congestion within the port area,”he said.  

The facility expected to begin operations by the end of March, subject to site preparation and operational requirements.

The second fix is aimed at pushing containers out faster. 

According Benedick, “revised container storage tariff rates will be implemented to encourage faster container clearance,” while the free storage period during peak seasons will be reduced to improve container turnaround when the port is operating at high capacity.

The third fix involves tougher enforcement against long-staying cargo. 

Benedick said that under Section 46 of the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981, the authority “has the power to dispose of or auction containers stored beyond the prescribed period,” after official notices are issued to container owners.

The fourth fix targets congestion at the gates and clearance delays. 

Benedick said “a trailer parking site at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park has been identified for use,” while all transport companies involved will be required to use the Vehicle Booking System. 

At the same time, he said “all relevant government agencies will implement overtime operations or support mechanisms outside office hours, including weekends and public holidays,” to ensure clearance processes run continuously in line with the port’s 24-hour operations.

“… the implementation of this interim action plan is critical in addressing immediate operational needs and reducing congestion,” he said, while maintaining supply chain continuity and confidence among industry players until the Sapangar port expansion is fully completed.