Port Issues Continue to Remain a Key Commitment of MINDET, Ewon Conducts Work Visit in Sandakan

5 March 2026

SANDAKAN: Issues concerning the port continue to be a primary commitment of the Ministry of Industry Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport of Sabah (MINDET), said Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

In this regard, Ewon, who is also the Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Transport of Sabah, undertook a working visit to Sandakan Port yesterday to see for himself the complaints and to listen to a briefing from Sandakan Port Manager, Hayati Md Enarji.

He stated that the visit aimed to support the ministry’s portfolio as well as to review efforts to improve port operational efficiency following concerns raised by industry players.

“This visit is to support the portfolio of the Ministry of Industry Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport (MINDET) Sabah and to enhance efficiency at the port in response to issues raised by industry stakeholders.

“I also welcome Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd’s commitment as the operator of Sandakan Port, which will be bringing in new machinery this year to improve operational efficiency.

“Under my leadership, MINDET will continue to be committed to ensuring that improvement efforts can be implemented by relevant agencies, government-linked companies, and concessionaires involved,” he said in a statement today.

Also present were Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong; Chairman of the Sabah Ports Authority, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin; the Permanent Secretary of MINDET, Datuk Thomas Logijin; and heads of related departments.

During the visit, Ewon also chaired a special meeting to discuss the application for the POIC Sabah Free Zone in Lahad Datu.

The meeting was also attended by representatives from the Forest Department, POIC Sabah, the Department of Lands and Surveys, the Sabah Land Revenue Office, and Lahad Datu District Office.

“I appreciate the views and commitment of all parties to support the development of the Free Zone in Lahad Datu, taking into account environmental conservation considerations.

“MINDET will elevate the outcomes of this meeting to the Sabah Cabinet,” he said.

Subsequently, he held a dialogue session with the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) and Sandakan Forwarding Association (SFA), which also involved the Sandakan Lorry Association, Sandakan Hardware Association, and Sandakan Tourism Association.

Ewon expressed his appreciation to all associations for sharing their views on various issues and suggestions that could be implemented.

Feedback regarding the issues raised by the associations’ representatives was also provided by the Sabah Ports Department, Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, and Sandakan Municipal Council.

“Matters within MINDET’s full control will be decided at the ministry level, while those involving other ministries’ roles will be raised through appropriate platforms.

“I will continue to undertake such initiatives by engaging in dialogues with industry players and entrepreneurship associations, as well as involving government agencies, as today,” he said.

During the visit, Ewon and his delegation also accepted an invitation to inspect the K Enterprise depot in Sandakan, which is one of the key players in the transportation and logistics service chain in the area.

He also welcomed the active involvement of local private companies in the logistics sector and their efforts to expand operations.