Kuala lumpur: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly today passed the Sabah Ports Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026. The Bill, presented by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who also serves as the state's Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, was approved following a debate that included contributions from six assemblymen. The debate was overseen by Deputy Speaker Datuk Al Hambra Tun Juhar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the primary objective of the amendment is to update the Sabah Ports Authority Enactment 1981. This change aims to better align the responsibilities concerning port affairs with the recent restructuring of the state cabinet portfolios, which was implemented on December 3, 2025. Ewon Benedick explained that the restructuring led to the transfer of functions and responsibilities related to port affairs from the Sabah Ministry of Public Works and Utilities to the Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport.

He further clarified that the definition of 'Minister' under Section 2 of the enactment previously referred to the minister responsible for communications and public works. This made the existing provision inconsistent with the ministry currently overseeing port affairs. Ewon assured that the amendment would not impose any financial burdens on the state government and would not alter the policies, functions, or powers of the Sabah Ports Authority.

Additionally, the amendment includes a transitional provision to ensure the continuity of all decisions, approvals, and actions previously taken by the minister formerly responsible for port affairs. The sitting of the state assembly is scheduled to continue tomorrow.