CILTM Sabah Calls For Logistics To Be Included In State Transport Masterplan

LABUAN, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM) Sabah Section has called for logistics to be explicitly included in the proposed Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan to ensure the integrated planning of transport infrastructure and supply chains.

Its chairman, Daniel Doughty, said the plan’s Terms of Reference should cover the entire supply chain, including the collection, storage, consolidation, clearance and delivery of goods to markets.

He proposed renaming the plan the Sabah Logistics and Transport Masterplan, with sustainability serving as a guiding principle for both sectors.

“We welcome the sustainable transport initiative. Our proposal is to extend its scope to comprehensively include logistics, ensuring that transport infrastructure and services are planned together with the supply chains they support,” he said in a statement today.

Doughty presented the proposals during a session on mainland-marine connectivity, small and medium enterprise (SME) participation and community involvement at the 1st Sabah 2026 Conference at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Thursday.

He said the initiative was still at an early stage, with its Terms of Reference under development, providing an opportunity to broaden its scope before the study was finalised.

He said logistics planning should cover collection centres, warehousing, cold-chain facilities, cargo consolidation, documentation, clearance procedures, port interfaces and delivery schedules, alongside passenger and freight connectivity across different transport modes.

“A road connects places. A functioning supply chain connects livelihoods to markets. For farmers, fishermen and small businesses, improved transport must work together with storage, handling and dependable onward delivery so their products reach buyers and retain their value,” he said.

On the economic corridors proposed at the conference, Doughty called for detailed economic and logistics feasibility studies to determine their viability and translate the proposals into practical development opportunities.

He said the studies should assess potential buyers, existing and projected production, cargo volumes, trade patterns, return cargo, total logistics costs and the frequency of reliable services.

They should also examine energy supply, land availability, skills, financing and environmental requirements.

“Existing cargo matters, but new industries can create demand for new connectivity. Both need careful assessment, supported by credible customers, investment commitments and realistic timelines,” he said.

Doughty said corridors deemed viable should be incorporated into and aligned with the future state logistics and transport masterplan.

“The corridor studies and masterplan should inform one another. Viable economic opportunities should shape the plan, while its findings should help refine corridor design and sequence investments based on evidence and readiness,” he said.

He also called for the Terms of Reference to clearly define institutional responsibilities, designate a lead coordinating agency, establish implementation milestones and provide mechanisms to resolve coordination gaps.

Producers, operators, SMEs and communities should also be involved in the planning process, with practical measures to improve local access to skills, financing and business contracts.

“The expanded scope must translate into accountable delivery. Success should be measured through affordable logistics, reliable services, reduced spoilage, stronger market access and greater opportunities for Sabah’s businesses and communities,” he said.

Doughty congratulated the conference organisers on bringing stakeholders together to explore Sabah’s economic potential and thanked them for the opportunity to share his views.

He said CILTM Sabah was ready to contribute professional and industry input to the planning process.

-- BERNAMA