Interim Action Plan Implemented to Address Congestion at Sepanggar Bay Container Port : Ewon

6 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: An Interim Action Plan (Interim Solutions) will be implemented to address congestion at the Sepanggar Bay Container Port.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said his ministry had submitted proposed interim solutions, which were presented at the Sabah Cabinet meeting on 4 February 2026.

“The Right Honourable Chief Minister and Members of the Sabah Cabinet have been informed of this congestion issue and subsequently agreed to the proposed interim solutions,” he said in a media statement here today.

Ewon said that among the key measures to be implemented is the addition of a temporary container yard through the establishment of a new area to increase storage and container handling capacity.

The facility is expected to begin operations by the end of March 2026.

In addition, revised tariff rates or revised deterrent charges that were previously decided will be enforced to encourage faster container clearance and reduce congestion in storage areas.

“The State Government will also tighten enforcement against containers that exceed the permitted storage period."

“Records show that 120 containers have exceeded the stipulated storage period, including 103 containers that have already received Customs clearance but remain at the port, with some exceeding one year,” he said.

Accordingly, Section 46 of the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981 will be enforced to allow for disposal or auction actions to be carried out.

He added that to increase container turnover rates, the free container storage period during peak seasons will be reduced from five days to three days.

At the same time, all transport companies will be required to use the Vehicle Booking System (VBS) to better regulate and organise vehicle movements in a more controlled and systematic manner, without financial implications for operators.

He said coordination of operating hours among government agencies at the Sepanggar Bay Container Port is also being implemented through overtime operations, including weekends and public holidays, in line with the port’s 24-hour operations, to expedite cargo assessment and clearance processes.

In addition, the port operator will upgrade machinery and container-handling equipment through the addition of assets and operational support to enhance efficiency and port capacity.

To support the smooth flow of the logistics chain, a trailer parking site at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) has also been identified for use, particularly to accommodate containers transported out after office hours when consignees are unable to receive deliveries outside their operating hours.

Ewon said he will personally monitor the implementation of the interim action plan and continue engagement with all stakeholders, including parties responsible for the delayed Sepanggar Bay Port expansion project.

He stressed his commitment to providing leadership in addressing port congestion, as it has a significant impact on the supply chain as well as Sabah’s industrial and entrepreneurial sectors, and is crucial for boosting investor confidence.

“As long as all parties play their respective roles and place Sabah’s interests as a priority, this issue can be resolved."

“Within my first 100 days at MINDET, this interim action plan is being implemented so that subsequent focus can be given to other issues under the ministry’s responsibility,” he said.

He also said he will make subsequent visits to Sandakan Port and Tawau Port as part of ongoing efforts to improve port management in the state.

Previously, Ewon conducted various engagement sessions and site visits to the port to personally assess container movements from the unloading process from vessels through to delivery to consignees.

“This congestion stems from a significant increase in container traffic, with data showing 398,000 TEUs recorded in 2025 alone, as well as delays in the implementation of the Sepanggar Bay Port expansion project,” he said.

He explained that the Sepanggar Bay Container Port was originally designed specifically for container movements and not for roll-on roll-off (roro) vehicle operations.

“I have stated that all parties must play their respective roles and place Sabah’s interests as a priority in seeking solutions to this congestion issue,” he said.