Ewon:Sabah’s Interests Must Come First in Sepanggar Port Solution

13 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick, has urged all parties to place Sabah’s interests as a top priority in addressing complaints over congestion at Sepanggar Port.

Ewon, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said that the congestion issues at Sepanggar Port involve the entire service supply chain, not only port operations but also activities outside the port. These include the roles of various government agencies as well as the need for digitalisation of related services.

He said this while holding discussions with various stakeholders, particularly the operators of Sepanggar Port, here today.

“I visited Sepanggar Port today to hold discussions with the port operators and various relevant agencies."

“I was briefed by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd and DPW Sabah Sdn Bhd as port operators, as well as by SEDIA on the ongoing Sepanggar Port development projects."

“I was also informed by Suria Capital Holdings about the next phase of expansion plans for Sepanggar Port."

“The data shows a significant increase in import and export cargo at Sepanggar Port, which is a positive indicator of Sabah’s economic activity."

“Issues relating to complaints about congestion and efficiency were discussed comprehensively, covering the entire service Chain , not only within the port, but also outside the port, from the roles of various agencies to the need for digitalisation,” he said.

According to Ewon, he will chair several follow-up discussions before submitting a cabinet paper to seek decisions on proposed interim solutions, while awaiting the completion of long-term solutions, namely the port expansion.

“I have emphasised that all parties must place ‘Sabah State interest’ as the priority, and that this can only be addressed through a ‘Sabah First team’ that is willing to be part of the solution. With this approach, I am confident that we can manage the congestion issue more effectively,” he said.