Lim Young Peing
KOTA KINABALU: The Association of Frozen Meat and Food Importers of Sabah expressed its deep concern over the sudden imposition of Kota Kinabalu Port Congestion Surcharge by shipping companies for container imports into Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Specifically, these surcharges amount to RM500 for a 20-foot container and RM1000 for a 40-foot container, effective from 15 July 2024.
Its Chairman Lim Young Peing said as stakeholders in the frozen food industry, the association members find these surcharges costly to their operational expenses and add undue burden to all whose livelihoods also depend on this business.
“Furthermore, this will eventually trickle down to the consumer and will exacerbate the inflationary pressures which the Government is trying very hard to contain. Rather than passing on the cost we hope that the shipping lines will find ways to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.
“We are also surprised by the simultaneous announcements by the various shipping lines today of the same message and cannot help but feel that there may be an indication of anti-competitive behaviour. This heavy-handed imposition of surcharges raises serious concerns about fair trade practices within the shipping industry serving Sabah. We urge the relevant authorities, including the Sabah Ports Authority, the Malaysian Competition Commission and the State Government to intervene and investigate this matter thoroughly,” he said in a statement today.
Lim said it is imperative to the benefit of all Sabahans that shipping companies operate in a fair and competitive environment, where costs are justified and transparent to all stakeholders.
“The Association of Frozen Meat and Food Importers Sabah remains committed to working constructively with all parties to resolve these issues and ensure that our industry can continue to serve the people of Sabah effectively and affordably,” he said.
