By Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and Vice-President of CILT International for Southeast Asia
KOTA KINABALU: The recent announcement to resume the Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry express service has highlighted significant shortcomings in federal-state coordination.
The absence of consultation with the Sabah government and relevant local authorities, such as Jabatan Pelabuhan dan Dermaga Sabah (JPDS) and the Sabah Ports, highlight a persistent gap in the governance and execution of logistics projects in the state.
This situation not only delays critical infrastructure development but also undermines public confidence in the effectiveness of such initiatives.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-tiered approach centred on strengthening collaboration and empowering local stakeholders, with the Sabah Logistics Council (SLC) playing a pivotal role.
Enhancing Coordination Between Federal and State Authorities
The lack of consultation before the announcement reflects an urgent need for formal mechanisms to ensure the Sabah government’s involvement in decisions impacting its transport and logistics sectors. Federal agencies must be required to engage local authorities from the earliest stages of project conceptualisation.
This approach would allow the state government to proactively address potential technical, operational, and regulatory challenges. For example, consultations could have pre-empted the oversight regarding the unsafe condition of the jetty and its unsuitability for ferry operations. Such mechanisms would not only improve project outcomes but also foster trust and accountability between federal and state entities.
Establishing a Technical Working Group
To ensure robust project planning and execution, a technical working group comprising JPDS and Sabah Ports, and other key stakeholders should be established.
This group would serve as a platform for assessing the technical and operational aspects of infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with local needs and realities. For instance, the working group could have evaluated the viability of using alternative jetties or proposed innovative solutions to address safety concerns. By pooling expertise from various entities, such a group would also enable more informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation. We take note that the floating structure was constructed way back in 2004. This alone would have alerted the owner regarding its safety for continued use.
Prioritising Safety and Feasibility in Infrastructure Development
The unsafe condition of the old jetty highlights the critical importance of prioritising safety and feasibility in infrastructure projects. Before any announcements are made, existing facilities must be rigorously audited to ensure they meet operational and safety standards. In this case, an independent safety audit could have identified the structural issues of the old jetty earlier, allowing for timely corrective measures. Furthermore, regular monitoring of infrastructure is essential to prevent such issues from recurring. These measures would not only enhance operational efficiency but also reinforce public confidence in Sabah’s logistical capabilities.
Empowering Local Government Representation
A recurring theme in this situation is the limited influence of local government representatives in federal decision-making processes. This imbalance highlights the need for empowering local authorities to play a more active role in discussions on transport and logistics initiatives. Entities like SPA and JPDS, with their deep understanding of Sabah’s logistical landscape, should be given a stronger voice in planning and implementation stages. By integrating local knowledge into federal decisions, the outcomes would be more context-sensitive and sustainable, reducing the risk of missteps such as those witnessed in this case.
The Critical Role of the Sabah Logistics Council (SLC)
The SLC is uniquely positioned to address the systemic issues revealed by this incident. As a forum for all stakeholders in Sabah’s logistics sector, the council serves as a bridge between federal authorities, local agencies, and private entities. Its ability to coordinate efforts across these groups makes it an indispensable player in ensuring effective planning and execution of logistics projects. The existence of SLC must be known to the Federal Authorities as it is the body specially created by the state government to ensure a one-stop centre solution for logistics issues in Sabah.
In this particular case, the SLC could have facilitated early consultations and provided a unified voice representing Sabah’s interests. The council’s involvement would have ensured that key technical and operational concerns were addressed before the announcement, avoiding the delays and miscommunication that ensued. Furthermore, the SLC can play a proactive role in identifying infrastructure needs, setting priorities, and advocating for resources, thereby preventing similar oversights in future projects.
To maximise its impact, the SLC should formalise its role as a central coordinating body for all logistics-related initiatives in Sabah. This could include establishing dedicated clusters to focus on technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy. By doing so, the council would not only streamline decision-making processes but also enhance Sabah’s ability to leverage federal support and investment in its logistics infrastructure.
A Path Towards Harmonious Collaboration
The Labuan-Kota Kinabalu ferry service announcement has exposed critical gaps in federal-state collaboration and highlighted the importance of local expertise in logistical planning. By instituting mandatory consultation mechanisms, establishing a technical working group, and empowering local authorities, Sabah can create a more inclusive and effective framework for infrastructure development.
The SLC’s central role in this framework cannot be overstated; its ability to coordinate and advocate for the state’s logistical interests makes it a cornerstone of Sabah’s transport and logistics strategy.
This incident offers valuable lessons for all stakeholders involved. It emphasises the need for a collaborative approach that prioritises technical preparedness, operational safety, and inclusive decision-making.
By addressing these challenges head-on, Sabah can transform its logistics sector into a driver of economic growth and regional connectivity, ultimately fulfilling its potential as a vital link in Malaysia’s transport network.
