CILTM Sabah Welcomes MINDET’s Immediate Measures to Address Sepanggar Port Congestion

16 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM) Sabah Section has welcomed the immediate intervention measures introduced by the Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) to address congestion at Sepanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP).

CILTM Sabah described the formation of a dedicated task force, the postponement of the proposed congestion surcharge by shipping lines, the implementation of the “Berthing Window Program” and the relocation of Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) operations as important short-term measures aimed at easing operational pressure within the port ecosystem.

Its chairman, Ts Daniel Doughty said the institute also commended the proactive engagement between MINDET, the Malaysia Shipowners’ Association (MASA), Sabah Shipping Agents Association (SSAA), port operators and industry stakeholders in seeking collaborative solutions to the ongoing challenges.

“CILTM Sabah welcomes the immediate intervention measures announced by MINDET Sabah in addressing the congestion situation at Sepanggar Bay Container Port.

“We also commend the proactive engagement between the ministry, MASA, SSAA, port operators and industry stakeholders in seeking collaborative solutions to the current challenges,” he said in a statement today.

However, Doughty stressed that Sabah’s port congestion issue should continue to be viewed from a broader supply chain and logistics systems perspective rather than focusing solely on vessel berthing efficiency.

He said the matter also involved cargo movement, yard management, container dwell time, trucking coordination, depot capacity and overall landside logistics synchronisation.

“At the same time, CILTM Sabah maintains that Sabah’s port congestion situation should continue to be viewed from a broader supply chain and logistics systems perspective,” he said.