Largest logistics operation begins
KOTA KINABALU: Delivery of smaller storage tanks to the copper foil manufacturing plant in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP), which does not require road closure or shutting down power supply, began on Wednesday.
NCT Group director Ng Vui Chuan said the company was informed by the Sabah Public Works Department (PWD) yesterday evening that the road closure would commence at 9pm tonight (April 7) to 3am the next day for the delivery of the supersize tanks.
The transport of the storage tanks from Sepanggar Port to its destination in KKIP was the largest single logistic feat in Sabah, as the storage tanks have a combined volume of 10,000 cubic metres and 500 tonnes in weight. The largest tank measures 24 feet by 24 feet, which is wider than size of the trailers and even the roads.
In preparation for logistics operation, the relevant authorities had previously issued notice of road closure from April 6 to 11, 8am to 2pm, from Sepanggar Port to KKIP, as well as notice of power supply disruption.
The operation also involves removing trees, realigning roads and temporary dismantling of electric poles and cables for the giant tanks to pass through.
However, the state PWD on Tuesday announced that the notice of road closure for the delivery was cancelled due to many complaints and grievances from road users that was scheduled to start on April 6 and expected to be completed on April 11.
According to Ng, the PWD has informed that road closure would begin from 9pm on Thursday to 3am the next day for the transport of the mammoth tanks.
He said about 50 per cent of the 60 humongous storage tanks from South Korea could be delivered without requiring roads or power supply to be shut down.
Following the previous cancellation of road closure notice, he said the company started delivering the smaller tanks yesterday that did not involve road closure or electricity disruption.
“We have successfully delivered about eight of the smaller tanks today and we will continue to do so tomorrow.
“At night, we shall deliver the giant tanks that require road closure.”
Ng added that the trailers loaded with the storage tanks were travelling at low speed and with caution to ensure the goods did not come into contact with the power cables.
He stressed that the company was committed to executing the delivery task in the safest manner, and to minimize the impact to the surrounding traffic and people.