By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Legislative Assembly today passed amendments to two enactments related to the state's ports.
State Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick tabled amendments to the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981 and the Sabah Ports (Privatisation) Enactment 1998.
He said both enactments form the legal basis for the establishment, administration, functions and privatisation of the Sabah Ports Authority.
"Following the amendment to the definition of 'Minister' under Section 2 of the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981, the cabinet on July 13, 2026 approved a Bill to amend the Sabah Ports (Privatisation) Enactment 1998 to align it with the changes made to the 1981 enactment," he told the state assembly.
Previously, the definition of "Minister" under Section 2 referred to the minister responsible for communications and public works.
Following the restructuring of Sabah's ministerial portfolios on Dec 3 last year, responsibility for port affairs was placed under Ewon's ministry.
During the debate, Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin (Upko-Moyog) proposed the implementation of Shore Power, or Onshore Power Supply (OPS), to improve port efficiency, reduce pollution and position Sabah as a leader in green ports.
He said most ships berthed at ports still relied on auxiliary engines to generate electricity, consuming diesel even while stationary and increasing operating costs and emissions.
"Through Shore Power, ships can switch off their auxiliary engines and draw electricity directly from the onshore power grid. This technology is now widely adopted at many major ports around the world," he said.
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