By Olivia Miwil - March 27, 2025 @ 5:06pm
SEPANGGAR: The Sepanggar Bay Container Port expansion project is scheduled for completion next year, according to Sabah Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
"Currently, the progress stands at 18 per cent, with completion planned for 2026.
"I urge the project monitoring team to closely oversee the performance of this project, as it has already experienced significant delays. We hope there will be no further issues hindering its progress.
"However, based on the briefing provided, along with additional mitigation measures, extra work, and additional machinery," he said, noting that the project is managed by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia).
Shahelmey, who also serves as Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, was speaking to the media after a working visit to Sepanggar Container Port. He was accompanied by Deputy Public Works Minister Datuk Limus Jury.
The expansion project was initially slated for completion this year. Reports indicate that the works, valued at RM899.8 million, are expected to double the port's capacity.
"The current capacity is half a million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). Once the expansion is complete, the capacity will increase to 1.2 million TEUs," he said.
Meanwhile, following the takeover of Sepanggar Port operations by DP World Sabah in September last year, Shahelmey said the operator has implemented several significant improvements, particularly in security, human resources, and container storage.
DP World Sabah is a joint venture company, with Dubai-based DP World holding 51 per cent equity interest and Suria Capital, through its wholly-owned unit Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, owning the remaining share. The Sabah government maintains a controlling stake of 50.74 per cent in Suria Capital.
However, certain issues remain, such as transportation, where local industry players need to adapt.
"I understand that a forum has been held between DP World Sabah Sdn Bhd and industry players to address these concerns.
"We are confident that the collaboration between Suria Capital and DP World Sabah in managing Sepanggar Container Port will achieve its goal of establishing it as a transshipment hub for Southeast Asia," Shahelmey said.
He also said that under the new operations, the layover time for ships has now been reduced to less than 48 hours.
Regarding the relocation of Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) services currently operating at the old Kota Kinabalu Port until March 31, Shahelmey said that these services will commence at Sepanggar Port starting April 1.
RoRo is a shipping service designed for vehicles, trucks, and other wheeled cargo that can be driven on and off vessels rather than lifted by cranes.
Shahelmey assured that the authorities would ensure adequate parking facilities at Sepanggar Port following the relocation of RoRo services.
Additionally, he said that ferry terminal services for the Labuan-Kota Kinabalu route at the state capital are expected to be completed in the first week of May this year.
The jetty designated for the Labuan ferry service was decommissioned in late 2023 due to safety concerns.
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