CILTM Sabah Hails Logistics Inclusion In Transport Masterplan

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM) Sabah Section has welcomed Sabah Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Ministry’s positive response to its proposal to explicitly include logistics in the planned Sabah Sustainable Transport Masterplan.

CILTM chairman Daniel Doughty said this during a courtesy call on Deputy Chief Minister III cum Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick at his office in Kota Kinabalu here today.

He said Ewon also invited CILTM Sabah to join the ministry's industry task force, which would strengthen industry participation in state planning.

Doughty said the inclusion of logistics in the masterplan would help address delivery reliability, logistics costs and market access, which would directly affect business competitiveness and the cost of goods.

“A comprehensive masterplan must examine the entire journey from producer to market, connecting ports, airports, roads, shipping, warehousing and distribution with the state's industrial and entrepreneurship needs,” he told Bernama today.

He also welcomed the ministry's intention to continue the Sabah Logistics Council as a platform for government agencies and industry players to resolve operational bottlenecks and coordinate solutions across different jurisdictions.

On a separate matter, Doughty expressed support for Sabah Customs' decision to discontinue allowing Labuan-bound cargo to transit through Kota Kinabalu Port before continuing overland and by ferry.

He said that this was relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic when health restrictions disrupted direct vessel calls to Labuan.

“Continuing that exceptional arrangement risks weakening the cargo volumes needed to sustain commercially viable direct shipping services to Labuan,” he said, adding that coordination with affected operators was important to minimise disruption and strengthen direct services.

CILTM Sabah also invited Ewon to attend its public forum on the future of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

Doughty said the Nov 7, 2026 forum features expert presentations and analysis on whether KKIA should be further developed at its existing location or relocated. It would provide an opportunity for the public to share their views.

“People need credible information to assess the costs, benefits and implications of each option. We want both options examined fairly, with opportunities for participants to question the assumptions and contribute their views,” he said.

He also commended Ewon's engagement with industry players, saying the coordination of transport, industrial development and entrepreneurship under one ministry was important to Sabah's economic competitiveness.

Doughty said CILTM Sabah is ready to contribute its professional expertise to help translate government-industry cooperation into practical improvements for businesses and communities.

-- BERNAMA