Kamarudin
KOTA KINABALU: There is a need to relook at the existing policies with regard to cross-border trades in Sabah to ensure it thrives.
At the same time, the policies must also safeguard the security in Sabah, said Deputy Transport Minister Dato Kamarudin Jaffar.
“This is one of the main avenues for the government to facilitate trade in Sabah by creating policies and initiatives that encourage business flow,” he said.
He added that industry players and traders must also play the role of leveraging on such policies to create value.
Similarly, the port operators can also play their part in collaborating with organisations for cargo generation, he said.
Speaking at the 2nd Sabah Port Forum held at the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort near here yesterday, Kamarudin said that this was transpiring in many other Malaysian ports.
“Seaports should branch out from the traditional role of being a stage in the logistics process and to become a trade enabler,” he said.
In his speech, Kamarudin also said that Suria Capital Holdings Berhad and its port operator, Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, had invested in almost RM1 billion to enhance the infrastructure and cargo handling equipment in the Sabah seaports.
He stressed that the country needs more companies to forge ahead and work hand in hand with the government for the betterment of the State and the country.
“The Federal Government continues to support the port and shipping industry in Sabah and commits to the facilitation fund for the transhipment initiative at Sapangar Bay Container Port. We see potential behind the strategy which will create a catalyst for Sabah and its surrounding regions to prosper,” he said.
Kamarudin also said that the Federal Government had maintained the liberalisation of the Cabotage Policy which was aimed at facilitating consolidation of cargo to achieve economies of scale, thus enticing main line operators (MLOs) to call direct to Sabah Ports.
“By having direct calls from MLOs, it will help to reduce the cost of logistics in Sabah,” he said.