New crane at Tawau Port a boost, but broader upgrades needed, says Warisan man

KOTA KINABALU (March 13): The installation of a new quay crane at Tawau Port is a welcome development, but it should not be viewed as a complete solution to the port’s long-standing infrastructure challenges, said Parti Warisan Supreme Council Member Chen Ket Chuin.

He said that while the new crane would help improve operational efficiency, Tawau Port requires broader and long-term infrastructure planning if it is to remain competitive as a regional maritime hub.

“The arrival of a new quay crane is certainly positive news. However, we must be realistic. One crane alone will not resolve the structural challenges facing Tawau Port,” he said in a statement.

He noted that the port’s ageing mobile cranes have, for years, suffered frequent breakdowns due to prolonged use and heavy operational demands.

Chen pointed out that the situation became particularly serious in May last year when both cranes broke down simultaneously, resulting in significant congestion and delays in port operations.

“That incident clearly exposed the vulnerability of Tawau Port’s equipment and highlighted the urgent need for proper upgrades,” he said.

While the new quay crane is expected to improve container-handling efficiency, Chen noted that the second crane, which had earlier been anticipated since last year, has yet to be delivered.

“The authorities must ensure that the second crane is delivered and installed without further delay.

“Tawau Port should not have to operate at minimal capacity when trade activity in the region continues to grow,” he said.

Chen also cautioned that new equipment alone would not guarantee reliable port operations without proper maintenance and operational discipline.

“We have seen what happens when maintenance is neglected. Even the most modern machinery will eventually face the same problems if proper servicing and operational standards are not strictly adhered to,” he said.

He stressed that Tawau Port remains a critical economic gateway for Sabah’s east coast.

“Historically, Tawau Port was once the second busiest port in Sabah, and it continues to be the busiest port on the east coast today,” he said.

“In fact, the port recorded its highest container throughput last year, clearly demonstrating that Tawau remains an important logistics hub for regional trade.”

Looking ahead, Chen urged policymakers to adopt a broader vision for the port’s development.

“Upgrading cranes alone is not sufficient. We must also consider deeper structural improvements, such as dredging the seabed so that larger international vessels can berth directly at Tawau Port,” he said.

Such improvements, he added, are necessary if Tawau is to compete with emerging regional ports.

“Neighbouring ports are already moving aggressively to strengthen their position. The Port of Tarakan in North Kalimantan, for example, is positioning itself as a regional maritime hub.

“With growing economic activity along the Indonesia–Malaysia border, Tawau must not fall behind.

“We should be strengthening Tawau’s role as the natural maritime gateway for eastern Sabah,” he said.

Chen said strategic planning and timely infrastructure upgrades are essential to ensure Tawau Port continues to support trade, logistics and economic growth along Sabah’s east coast.