ELOPURA Assemblyman Calvin Chong wants the State Government to replace the ageing cranes at Sandakan Port, pointing out that frequent breakdowns are pushing shipping lines away from what was once Sabah’s busiest port on the east coast.
“We do not want second-hand cranes. We want new cranes, even though we already have new forklifts,” he said.
“Every year fewer ships want to come to Sandakan because the cranes keep breaking down,” he said when debating the Sabah Ports Authority (Amendment) Enactment 2026 Bill, Wednesday.
He said Sandakan had long been one of the most important ports on the east coast, but ships were now avoiding it.
“I hope the minister can reconsider this. I believe the ministry has figures on how many ships are expected to call at Sandakan this year,” he said, referring to the State Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry.
Chong said he supported the bill as ports were a strategic asset driving the State’s economic growth.
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“Ports are not just where ships dock, they are the gateway to international trade and the lifeline of the supply chain,” he said, pointing out that any amendment must bring real improvement and not just administrative change.
“If this amendment is meant to strengthen governance at the Sabah Ports Authority, then its success must be measured through real, impactful development projects,” he said.
He said many Sandakan traders still relied on cargo being routed through other ports before reaching their final destination, raising costs and delivery times.
“Is the government in talks with shipping companies to set up more direct shipping services to Sandakan Port? What incentives are being offered to bring shipping lines back to Sandakan?” he said.
He said timber, palm oil, seafood and agricultural producers in Sandakan had repeatedly raised concerns over rising logistics costs.
“What concrete steps is the government taking to lower logistics costs, speed up exports, improve cargo handling and make Sandakan Port more competitive as the main export gateway on the east coast?” he said.
He asked whether a full study has been done on ship waiting times, cargo clearance and container handling efficiency.
“If such a study has been done, what improvements will be made and within what timeframe?” he said.
He listed four requests to the government, namely more cargo handling cranes, an upgraded digital billing system, updated port operation software integrated with shipping companies and Customs and regular maintenance of port buildings and facilities.
“An efficient port depends not only on good policy but also on modern facilities and technology,” he said.
He also asked how Sandakan Port’s development would be coordinated with POIC Lahad Datu, Sepanggar Port and other Sabah ports so each could play a complementary role.
“An efficient port attracts investors, and investment brings more cargo and more jobs for the people of Sabah,” he said.
Additionally, he proposed clear key performance indicators for the Sabah Ports Authority, including more ships calling at Sabah ports, higher cargo throughput, shorter clearance times and wider use of digital systems.
“This amendment will mean nothing without sufficient investment, infrastructure development and policies that can draw shipping companies and investors back to Sandakan,” he said.
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