Kuala Lumpur supports Sapangar Bay port expansion

        This year, Malaysia’s Sapangar Bay Container Terminal will begin an expansion project, which will more than double the facility’s annual capacity from 500,000 TEU to 1.25 million TEU in 2023.

　　 The project will cost 1.3 billion kyats (US$310 million) and will be undertaken by the federal government and port operator Sabah Ports.

　　 Tan Sri Ibrahim, chairman of Sabah Port Owner Suria Capital Holdings, said at the shareholders meeting that the federal government’s funds will be allocated through the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Bureau, totalling 1.03 billion Malinka.

　　The expansion will include land reclamation, upgrading transportation equipment and extending the length of the terminal by 1 kilometer.

　　 In order to increase cargo volume, Tan Sri Ibrahim said that Sabah Ports will form strategic alliances with some business partners.

　　 He said: “We believe that upgrading port facilities will revive the weak economy and benefit industries such as tourism, oil and gas, real estate and shipping.”

　　 Tan Sri Ibrahim added that the new crown pneumonia epidemic has exacerbated the recent economic slowdown and the port will face challenges. He said: "We hope that the government will introduce more foreign investment to Sabah, expand Sabah's export potential, and thereby increase the container throughput of Sabah's ports."

　　 Suria Capital’s port concession in Sabah will expire in 2034. If necessary, the company will continue to expand the port.

　　 In addition to the Sapangar Bay container port, Suria Capital’s other ports in Sabah include Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal, Kota Kinabalu Port, Sandakan Port, Tawau Port, Lahad Datu Port, Kunak Port and Kudat Port. The latter two ports mainly handle palm oil and general cargo.