KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to turn the Sepanggar Bay Container Port (SBCP) into a transhipment hub for the BIMP-EAGA region must be expedited, says Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

       The Deputy Chief Minister cum state Industrial Development Minister said his ministry is fully supportive towards efforts to realise this.

       In a statement on Monday (April 25), he said this would be a major element towards accelerating industrial activities in Sabah.

       "We also support efforts by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, especially in the expansion of SBCP.

       "Therefore, efforts to recognise its potential as a hub must be expedited, as a way to handle high logistics costs in Sabah.

       “I am hoping SBCP will be a game changer towards lower logistics cost and at the same time raise the state's competitiveness," he said in the statement issued after visiting Wisma Sabah Ports.

       Joachim added that the huge foreign investments coming into the state was proof that Sabah has the potential to become a centre for manufacturing and industrial activities.