Latest news with #VBS
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Minister visits Sepanggar Port after industry feedback
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe ( pic ) has taken proactive steps to address congestion and operational concerns raised by logistics and transportation stakeholders at Sepanggar Port. Phoong conducted a follow-up visit to the port and met directly with operator DP World after receiving feedback from key associations including SABFFLA, PPLKKK, and FMM Sabah. Advertisement He was briefed on improvements, including the deployment of three new Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes, which have helped reduce berthing waiting times and improved wharfside operations. Despite these gains, congestion persists at the entrance and container yard due to a spike in export volume, with TEU growth reaching 11 per cent year-on-year as of May this year. DP World is set to roll out a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) in July to ease lorry traffic and reduce queuing times, while the Sepanggar Port expansion remains on schedule for completion by Q3 2026. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
New measures to tackle Sepanggar Port congestion
Phoong (seated centre) after the visit to Sepanggar Port. KOTA KINABALU (June 11): Sabah Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has taken proactive steps to address congestion and operational concerns raised by local logistics and transportation stakeholders at Sepanggar Port. After listening and receiving feedback from several key industry associations — including the Sabah Freight Forwarding & Logistics Association (SABFFLA), Persatuan Pengusaha Lori Kontena Kota Kinabalu (PPLKKK), and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Sabah (FMM Sabah) — the minister conducted a follow-up visit to Sepanggar Port to engage directly with the operator, DP World, to obtain a clear understanding of the challenges on the ground and to explore effective solutions. DP World, which officially took over the port operations on 9 September 2024, has since introduced various operational enhancements to increase port capacity and improve overall efficiency. During the visit, the minister was briefed on the introduction of three new Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes to strengthen yard-side operations and reduce container movement bottlenecks. Wharfside efficiency has shown significant improvement, with berthing waiting times drastically reduced compared to the minister's previous visit — an outcome that Phoong welcomed with satisfaction. Currently, there is no vessel congestion at the wharf, reflecting clear progress in ship-side operations. However, congestion remains an issue at the port entrance and container yard, primarily due to a sharp increase in export volume, especially from key exporters like Kibing Group. This surge has contributed to an 11% year-to-date and year-on-year growth in TEUs as of May 2025, demonstrating Sabah's strengthening export sector. To address lorry and haulier congestion at the gate and yard areas, DP World will implement a Vehicle Booking System (VBS) in July 2025, aimed at regulating traffic flow and reducing queue times for hauliers through a structured appointment mechanism. Futhermore, discussions with the Sabah Ports Authority confirmed that the expansion of Sepanggar Port is on track for completion by Q3 2026. This development will enable the port to accommodate higher volumes and elevate Sabah's profile as a regional logistics hub. Phoong commended DP World for its proactive engagement with stakeholders and reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to working closely with all parties, including industry players and logistics associations. 'I would like to thank DP World for their continued cooperation and commitment to improving port services in Sabah. The State Government will continue working closely with all stakeholders including SABFFLA, PPLKKK, SSAA and FMM Sabah, to ensure that these improvements bring tangible benefits to our local industries and contribute to the long-term development of Sabah's economy. 'The Ministry of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Sabah remains committed to supporting our industry players, and I am confident that the port will continue to improve — enabling us to attract more investments and grow more industries in Sabah,' said Phoong.
IOL News
07-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
'VBS was our lifeline': Ramokgopa pressures treasury to restore Limpopo's lost bank
ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa pleads with government to help rebuild VBS. Image: File photo ANC treasurer-general Dr Gwen Ramokgopa issued a stirring plea to the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury: step in and help to rebuild the looted and collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. Ramokgopa was speaking on Thursday at a packed memorial service for ANC veteran and revered liberation figure, Reverend Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, held at the George Phagadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou. The late struggle stalwart and former Lutheran bishop passed away on May 29. His funeral will take place on Saturday at the University of Venda Stadium. In her tribute, Ramokgopa honoured Farisani's lifelong commitment to justice, recalling his outspoken defence of VBS victims who lost life savings and community investments when the bank collapsed under a staggering R2 billion looting scandal. 'Government, under President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been for the people. We always said those who stole from VBS must be punished and languish in jail,' Ramokgopa said, adding that the Finance Department and the Reserve Bank should assist the suffering community to revive their only hope, VBS. In her address, Ramokgopa reminded the nation of the Vhembe community's enduring pain — a pain worsened by betrayal and scandal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Since the shocking collapse of VBS in 2018, over 53 individuals have been charged with theft, fraud, corruption, money laundering, and violations of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act — accused of siphoning more than R2 billion from the mutual bank that once symbolised financial hope for Limpopo's people. Ramakgopa emphasised that the government has successfully rebuilt several institutions and therefore VBS should not be an issue. 'We have also successfully rebuilt the Limpopo provincial government after it collapsed through fraudulent activities,' she said. IOL Politics
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Rebuild VBS, urges ANC treasurer-general
Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice to preserve the dignity of the party. VBS Mutual Bank customers queue outside the bank, demanding their money in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 20 June 2018. Picture: Gallo Images/ANTONIO Muchave/Sowetan ANC treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa has pleaded with the Reserve Bank and National Treasury to assist the Vhembe community in Limpopo to rebuild the collapsed Venda Business Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. More than 53 people have been charged for theft, corruption, fraud, money laundering, contraventions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, and racketeering for stealing and looting more than R2 billion of VBS Mutual Bank money since 2018. Ramokgopa was speaking during a well-attended memorial service of the late ANC veteran, Reverend Dr Tshenuwani Simon Farisani, at the George Phagadi Town Hall in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, this week. Farisani passed away on Thursday, 29 May 2025, and his funeral will be held at the University of Venda Stadium, outside Thohoyandou, on Saturday. The former prominent Lutheran Church Bishop and known political struggle hero was honoured for his resilience in the fight for freedom and equality against the apartheid regime. The service was attended by South African Communist Party deputy national chairperson Thulas Nxesi, Limpopo first female premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Limpopo ANC secretary Vhamusanda Reuben Madazhe, Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature Dr Makoma Makhurupetsa, Mopani district municipality Mayor Pule Frelimo Shayi and leaders from various religious and political structures in the province and beyond. Speaking to the mourners at the service, Ramokgopa said Farisani had fought for VBS victims. 'Government, under the tutelage of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been on the side of the victims. We always said those who stole from VBS must be punished and languish in jail. 'The Reserve Bank and the Department of Finance, under the tutelage of Minister Enoch Godongwana, must assist the grieving communities to rebuild the collapsed VBS Mutual Bank,' she said. 'We have many times successfully rebuilt our country, including the health system in Gauteng during the predicaments of Life Esidimeni. We have also successfully rebuilt the Limpopo provincial government after it collapsed through fraudulent activities after some in the era of mismanaged government funds. 'There is nothing that can stand in our way to rebuild the VBS Mutual Bank and begin on a clean sheet,' she said to thunderous applause. ALSO READ: Simelane VBS matter will not be swept under carpet Lazy mayors The treasurer also scolded lazy mayors, who sit idly while communities face poor service delivery. 'When I came here, I drove a sizeable number of potholes, and the feeling was unbearable. For the record, good roads are important to us because they have a positive impact on the economy of our communities, our regions, our province and our country. 'They attract investment that often blossoms our economy. I therefore implore you, Honourable Premier Ramathuba and your mayors, to fix all your roads and patch potholes so that investors can invest in your municipalities. 'Through this, we can win the fight against the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment and poverty,' she said. ALSO READ: Mayor claims she was exonerated of VBS graft allegations ANC conference slammed However, the memorial service did not go without controversy. Veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu was invited to the stage to give testimony on the life well spent by Farisani and how his political acumen bolstered his journalism prowess. However, Tsedu used the platform to voice criticism of the irregularities surrounding the ANC Vhembe regional elective conference in May. 'This is the ANC of Farisani. He would be disappointed by how you skipped vital items in the programme, only to jump into nominations and elections of the top five officials. 'How do you jump the secretariat report and other vital items on the programme as if the main objective of the conference was to elect leaders,' he asked. The conference saw Tshitereke Matibe living up to his name — 'Tshitereke,' a Venda name meaning 'protest' — as he staged a bold demonstration at the venue, ultimately securing a fourth term. Tsedu's criticism was challenged by an ANC regional executive committee (REC) member. 'Tsedu does not understand the politics of the ANC. This is not journalism, he must just leave politics to politicians, and journalism to the newsroom. You can just read from his address that he is far from within,' said the senior member, speaking to The Citizen on condition of anonymity. The leader, who asked for his name to be withheld for fear of reprisal, said that despite the woo-ha, Matibe won the conference hands down. In response, Ramokgopa advised ANC leaders to speak with one voice in an effort to preserve the dignity of the party. NOW READ: Calls for VBS-linked Bojanala mayor to go
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Port Of Auckland Fee Increases Cause Concern For Industry
Press Release – Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand National road freight association Transporting New Zealand is voicing strong concerns over the Port of Auckland's (POAL) announced increases to Vehicle Booking System (VBS) fees, warning these price hikes at the country's largest import port will have major repercussions for businesses and consumers. Trucks have been charged $130 per visit in access fees to the container terminal during peak hours since January 2025. This will increase to $180 in January 2026, $230 by July 2026 and $350 by January 2027. These fees are levied each time a truck accesses the terminal to deliver or collect a container. Billy Clemens, Head of Policy & Advocacy at Transporting New Zealand, is questioning the justification for these large increases, noting that POAL's productivity improvements have been minimal. 'Our road freight members and their customers haven't seen an associated increase in Port productivity,' he says. 'In fact, from financial year 2023 to 2024 POAL's average truck turnaround time improved by only 1.5 per cent, or 17 seconds. I don't know of any road freight companies who could hike their prices by 170 per cent over two years following that level of performance.' Clemens also challenges POAL's rationale that higher peak-time fees will incentivise off-peak deliveries. ' Traffic data confirms that our members already do their best to avoid peak traffic because it's a nightmare in Auckland as it is. If they could, they would.' 'A survey by one of our major North Island members revealed that only 12 per cent of their customers could accept night-time deliveries of containers.' Transporting New Zealand is warning that these increased costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers and exporters, making New Zealand goods less competitive on the international stage. All at a time when the Port is already comfortably surpassing its profit targets. Productive alternatives Clemens urges POAL and its owner, Auckland Council, to focus on enhancing productivity and performance rather than imposing higher fees on industry stakeholders. 'One practical option we've previously raised with POAL is to lower VBS charges for dual bookings, where a freighter both drops off and picks up containers on the same trip.' 'If POAL wants to improve productivity, it should also look to its 2024 Annual Report. POAL was comfortably meeting its peak vs off-peak truck target, but failing on crane rate, ship rate, and import dwell time, amongst others.' Cargo owners share concern at price increases Mike Knowles, chair of the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council, says the time-of-use approach is too simplistic to achieve significant behaviour change as the port is just one part of a complex supply chain. The Cargo Owners Council believes it is time for benchmarking of NZ port productivity against their charge structures. 'We think the time is long overdue for a closer look at arbitrary fee increases that do not result in measurable service or infrastructure improvement – as things stand the ultimate loser here is NZ Inc.' About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
