PRESS RELEASSE: Fee
Hike Amid Congestion Unjustifiable, Junz Backs Industry’s Call for
Immediate Suspension
KOTA
KINABALU, 2 March 2026: Parti Warisan Vice President Datuk Junz Wong
today voiced firm support for Sabah’s business chambers and
industry associations in urging the State Government and Sabah Ports
authorities to suspend the newly implemented container storage fee
hike at the Sepanggar Container Terminal until congestion issues are
effectively resolved.
Junz
said the decision to raise daily container storage charges by more
than 100 per cent — from RM12 to RM30 for a 20-foot container and
from RM24 to RM60 for a 40-foot container — is difficult to justify
while port users continue to face delays and operational bottlenecks.
“You
cannot impose premium-level charges when service efficiency has yet
to reach an acceptable standard. Businesses are effectively being
asked to pay more while still enduring congestion and uncertainty,”
he said.
The
Tanjung Aru Assemblyman stressed that the associations are not
opposing port upgrades or long-term improvements, but are calling for
fair sequencing.
“Warisan
supports infrastructure enhancement and modernisation efforts.
However, fee increases should follow demonstrable improvements in
turnaround time and cargo clearance efficiency — not precede them,”
he said.
Junz
pointed out that storage charges disproportionately affect importers
when delays are beyond their control.
“When
containers are delayed due to yard congestion or operational
inefficiencies, traders end up paying higher storage fees for
circumstances they did not create. That is neither equitable nor
economically sound,” he added.
He
warned that the higher logistics costs will inevitably be passed on
to consumers, compounding existing cost-of-living pressures in Sabah.
“This
is no longer just a port management issue. It is a bread-and-butter
issue. Increased storage charges will translate into higher prices
for essential goods, especially for small and medium enterprises that
operate on thin margins,” he said.
Junz
called on the GRS State Government and the management of Sabah Ports
Sdn Bhd to prioritise clearing congestion and fully implementing the
temporary action plan before enforcing the revised tariff structure.
“At
a minimum, the implementation should be deferred until measurable
improvements are achieved. Stakeholders must see tangible results
first. Only then can any revision in charges be reasonably
considered,” he said.
He
emphasised that as the main maritime gateway for Sabah, the
operational performance of the Sepanggar facility has direct
implications for the State’s competitiveness and economic
stability.
“Warisan
stands with the industry players in calling for a practical and fair
approach. The Government must ensure that policies are implemented in
the right order — efficiency first, fees later,” Junz said.
He
concluded by urging the authorities to engage transparently with
industry representatives to restore confidence and prevent further
strain on businesses and consumers alike.
End
Press
Statement Released by:
YB
Datuk Junz Wong
Warisan
Vice President cum Adun N22 Tanjung Aru
Contact:
017-818 8801
