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 recently established Sabah Logistics Council (SLC), operating under the state Ministry of Public Works, is committed to tackling Sabah’s logistical and transportation challenges. This council plays a vital role in shaping the future of Sabah’s logistics sector through its coordinated approach, with clearly defined roles, functions, and objectives aimed at fostering sustainable growth.
Why SLC
The need for the SLC has become critical due to the logistics industry in Sabah being in disarray. Previously, each logistics player had to resolve their issues independently, engaging with multiple authorities and facing bureaucratic hurdles. This fragmented approach resulted in inefficiencies, delays, and inconsistent solutions across the sector. By bringing together all key stakeholders, including private sector players and government authorities, the SLC now serves as a unified platform for problem-solving. It effectively acts as a single “roof,” housing all relevant parties to streamline the resolution of issues. This coordinated effort is essential in smoothing out the complexities that logistics players face, ensuring faster and more efficient solutions.
Coordinating Body
At the core of the SLC’s mission is its function as a coordinating body that unites key stakeholders from across the logistics spectrum. Government agencies, port operators, shipping companies, and industry players collaborate under the council’s leadership to address logistical challenges and enhance efficiency. Through this platform, the SLC facilitates ongoing dialogue and cooperation, allowing stakeholders to work together towards common goals and develop solutions that benefit the sector as a whole.
Problem Solving
One of the council’s most critical functions is problem-solving, particularly in resolving urgent issues like port congestion. By engaging with relevant stakeholders, the council develops both immediate and long-term strategies to alleviate bottlenecks, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services throughout Sabah. This proactive stance is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of Sabah’s logistics sector in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Logistics Data Centre
In addition to these roles, another important mission of the SLC is the establishment of a logistics data center. This centre aims to collate and consolidate transport- and trade-related data from various stakeholders. By centralising this information, the SLC will create a more comprehensive and accurate database that enables informed decision-making, increases transparency, and enhances the efficiency of logistics operations. The Logistics Data Centre will be instrumental in supporting the council’s efforts to modernise the logistics industry, enabling more data-driven strategies and policies for the future.
Policy Development
The SLC also plays an instrumental role in policy development. It contributes significantly to shaping logistics and transportation policies for Sabah, providing strategic guidance for the Sabah State Transport Plan. These policies serve as a roadmap for the future development of the state’s infrastructure, ensuring that Sabah’s logistical capabilities keep pace with its economic ambitions.
Industry Promotion
Another essential function of the SLC is promoting the logistics industry within Sabah. By supporting initiatives that enhance sector growth, the council aims to strengthen Sabah’s position as a key player in the regional logistics market. This includes the development of programs that encourage innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, all of which are necessary for the long-term success of the logistics sector.
Improving Logistics Infrastructure
A primary objective of the SLC is improving Sabah’s logistical infrastructure. The council advocates for investment in critical transport networks, including road, aviation, and marine systems, to better connect Sabah to other regions and countries. By upgrading and modernising these networks, the SLC seeks to future-proof Sabah’s logistics sector, ensuring it can meet the demands of a growing and evolving market.
Enhancing Efficiency
Enhancing efficiency across the logistics chain is another key focus for the SLC. The council is dedicated to improving the operational performance of Sabah’s ports and logistics services. Addressing issues such as port congestion is fundamental to enabling smoother trade flows, reducing delays, and facilitating more efficient logistics operations throughout the state.
Enhancing Economic Growth
Beyond improving infrastructure and operational efficiency, the SLC aims to contribute significantly to Sabah’s economic growth. By enhancing logistical capabilities, the council seeks to create an environment conducive to attracting investment. A well-functioning logistics sector is essential for supporting industries across Sabah and for fostering economic stability, making the state an attractive destination for both domestic and international investments.
Logistics Hub
Positioning Sabah as a logistics hub within the region is another strategic goal of the SLC. By developing a robust logistics infrastructure that meets international standards, the council aims to boost Sabah’s competitiveness, not only within Malaysia but also across the broader ASEAN region. Achieving this goal would establish Sabah as a critical logistics and transportation centre, supporting regional trade and economic integration.
Collaborative Approach
Collaboration between the public and private sectors is central to the SLC’s approach. The Sabah Logistics Forum (SLF), a private sector initiative, provides a platform for businesses to voice their concerns and offer input on logistics challenges. SLF members are also represented in the SLC, ensuring that the private sector’s perspectives are incorporated into government policies and strategies. This collaborative structure allows the SLC to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing logistics issues, benefiting both the public and private sectors.
Transport Masterplan
Looking ahead, the ultimate goal of the SLC is to pave the way for a comprehensive transport masterplan for Sabah. By first establishing a well-organised and efficient logistics infrastructure, the SLC will lay the groundwork for developing a masterplan that addresses the state’s long-term transportation needs. This masterplan will be crucial in enhancing the productivity of the logistics industry and strengthening its role within the wider supply chain, positioning Sabah for sustainable growth and success in the future.
Overview
Through its focus on collaboration, problem-solving, policy development, and industry promotion, the Sabah Logistics Council is poised to create a more efficient, competitive, and resilient logistics sector. By aligning the interests of both public and private stakeholders, the council is not only working to improve Sabah’s logistics ecosystem but also driving the state’s broader economic growth and regional connectivity. In doing so, the SLC is ensuring that Sabah remains a dynamic player in the global logistics landscape.
