KUCHING: Manufacturers and the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) will work more closely to improve logistics efficiency following talks on measures to strengthen the state’s manufacturing and export sector.
The commitment followed a dialogue between the Sarawak Manufacturers’ Association (SMA) and KPA on Thursday (July 9), during which both sides discussed port operations, cargo handling and initiatives to improve the movement of goods through Senari Terminal.
SMA secretary general Stephen Ang said the dialogue strengthened cooperation between industry and the port authority while providing an avenue to resolve issues affecting manufacturers.
“We appreciate KPA’s willingness to engage with industry representatives. Such dialogue helps strengthen mutual understanding and allows issues affecting manufacturers to be addressed in a timely and constructive manner,” he said in a statement today (July 11).
During the meeting, KPA said congestion experienced during the recent Gawai festive period had been resolved and that operations at Senari Terminal had returned to normal.
The authority also encouraged manufacturers to contact KPA directly over shipment delays or concerns relating to port charges so that such matters could be reviewed and resolved promptly.
KPA general manager Robert Lau said the temporary congestion was mainly due to a significant increase in cargo throughput and vessel traffic at Senari Terminal.
From April to May this year, total vessel calls increased by 29 per cent and 31 per cent respectively compared with the same period last year, rising from 52 to 67 vessels in April and from 51 to 67 vessels in May. Berth occupancy reached as high as 73 per cent.
Container throughput also recorded an average monthly increase of 12 per cent over the same period, reaching record highs of 27,461 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April and 31,686 TEUs in May. Average yard occupancy increased from 52 per cent in April to 68 per cent in June.
To support rising trade volumes, Lau said KPA is expanding its facilities with an additional 250 metre berth targeted for completion by the end of 2028, while container yard capacity will be increased by another 200,000 TEUs annually by the end of 2027.
The dialogue also explored ways to improve information sharing between KPA and manufacturers.
SMA proposed that KPA provide a direct link to its cargo e-tracking system and monthly import and export statistics through the association’s communication platform to help members better plan production and export schedules. KPA agreed to study the proposal.
Meanwhile, SMA vice president Stephen Hii Hium Ung said efficient logistics are essential to the competitiveness of Sarawak’s manufacturing sector as the state continues expanding its industrial base and attracting new investments.
He said SMA looks forward to working closely with KPA to improve cargo clearance efficiency, reduce vessel turnaround time, promote transparent and competitive port charges, advance digitalisation of documentation and customs procedures, strengthen coordination among shipping lines, customs authorities, freight forwarders and port operators, and ensure port infrastructure continues to support future industrial growth.
Ang said efficient logistics and reliable supply chains are increasingly important as manufacturers compete in regional and global markets.
“A competitive manufacturing sector depends not only on productive factories, but also on an efficient logistics ecosystem. Continuous engagement between industry and government agencies will help identify practical improvements, strengthen investor confidence and support Sarawak’s ongoing economic and industrial development,” he said.
