SANDAKAN, November 5, 2026 – Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick chaired an engagement session with regulatory agencies, port concession operator and industry associations to address operational challenges affecting Sandakan Port.

The meeting focused on two key concerns: frequent breakdowns of existing port cranes and shallow sea channels that could affect vessel movements and cargo operations.

Ewon said Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB), the port concession operator, had outlined several initiatives undertaken to improve operational efficiency, including plans to acquire new machinery and equipment to enhance the port’s cargo-handling capacity.

As an interim measure, SPSB has transferred two cranes from Tawau Port to Sandakan Port to strengthen cargo-handling capacity while awaiting the implementation of its new asset procurement plans.

On the issue of shallow sea channels, Ewon said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sabah Oil & Gas Development Corporation (SOGDC) and SEDCO Mining includes plans to examine dredging and deepening works in the waters near the Kinabalu Palm Oil Industrial Park Sandakan, which serves as a shipping route.

He also agreed that the engagement sessions should be held at least once every quarter to ensure stakeholders receive regular updates on initiatives and progress towards improving port operations.

The session was attended by Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong, Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, senior MINDET officials, representatives of the Sabah Ports Authority and Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, as well as representatives from various industry and business associations.

Among the associations represented were the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Sabah Shipping Agents Association Sandakan, Sabah Forwarders Association, Sandakan Grocers Exporters and Importers Association, Sandakan Hire Lorry Transport Association and Sabah Timber Industries Association.