By JAMES LEONG
SANDAKAN: Port users are demanding an immediate solution to the prolonged breakdown of equipment at Sandakan Port, warning that continued disruptions could cause heavy financial losses and hurt the local economy.
The Sandakan Forwarders Association (SFA), Sabah Shipping Agents Association and Sandakan Lorry Hire Transportation Association discussed the issue at a meeting yesterday.
SFA chairman and Sandakan Lorry Hire Transportation Association deputy chairman Chong Thien Ming said Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd had informed users in a letter dated Oct 5 that repairs to the Mobile Harbour Crane (MHC) could take about two months. Two MHC units from Tawau are expected to be sent to Sandakan by the end of October.
“What are the port users supposed to do from Oct 5 until Oct 30? Businesses cannot simply stop operations and wait another 25 days,” he said.
Chong also questioned whether there was any guarantee that the two cranes would arrive and be ready for use by the end of October. He said Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd’s request for vessels with their own cranes to handle loading and unloading was not a complete solution, as not all vessels have cranes and those available may not be suitable for all cargo operations.
He said port users should not have to bear the financial losses caused by the equipment failure, including higher storage, transportation, vessel and container costs, as well as delays to cargo and trucks.
“Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, as the port service provider, must take responsibility for the consequences arising from equipment and operational failures,” he said.
Chong said the latest breakdown highlighted concerns raised by the three associations over ageing port equipment for the past four years. He said some MHCs had been operating for more than 20 years, while the port also faced problems involving container stackers, trailers and forklifts.
“If the port does not have reliable equipment, how can we increase TEU volume?” he asked.
He said the disruption could affect shipping agents, forwarding agents, transport operators, importers, exporters, manufacturers, traders and consumers, particularly with Christmas and the New Year approaching.
“Last year, businesses already suffered tremendous losses when the MHC broke down. We cannot allow the same situation to happen again this year,” he said.
Chong urged the Sabah Government to intervene immediately and called on Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedict to organise a town hall meeting with port users and service providers. He said the associations wanted Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd to invest in reliable new equipment or consider privatising selected port services to improve efficiency and accountability.
“We cannot continue with the same cycle of breakdown, repair, waiting and uncertainty. We need a permanent solution, not another temporary arrangement,” he said.
Chong (inset), also questioned whether there was any guarantee that the two cranes would arrive and be ready for use by the end of October.
