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: Sabah with its rich biodiversity and burgeoning economic potential, stands at a crucial juncture in its development. As the state looks to enhance its connectivity and bolster its economic growth, the need for a comprehensive transport masterplan has become increasingly apparent. This essay explores the essential prerequisites for initiating Sabah’s first-ever transport masterplan, considering the state’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Understanding Sabah’s Current Landscape
Before delving into the prerequisites, it’s crucial to understand Sabah’s current transport landscape. The state faces numerous challenges, including inadequate road networks, limited public transport options, and underdeveloped port and airport facilities. These shortcomings have hindered economic growth and impacted the quality of life for many residents, particularly those in rural areas.
Integrated Planning Approach
A cornerstone of an effective transport masterplan for Sabah is an integrated planning approach. This means considering all modes of transport simultaneously, from roads and railways to ports and airports. Moreover, the plan must align with broader economic and social development goals, ensuring that transport infrastructure supports key industries such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. By adopting this holistic approach, Sabah can create a transport network that truly serves its diverse needs.
Comprehensive Data Collection and Analysis
To develop a robust masterplan, Sabah must first gather and analyse comprehensive data on its current transport infrastructure and usage patterns. This includes traffic flow data, public transport ridership figures, and freight movement statistics. Additionally, projections for future population growth and economic development are crucial for anticipating future transport needs. This data-driven approach will enable planners to make informed decisions and prioritise investments effectively.
The Sabah Logistics Council
The success of Sabah’s transport masterplan hinges on the active involvement of various stakeholders. This includes government agencies, private sector representatives, and most importantly, the local communities who will be directly impacted by the plan. Public consultations should be held across the state, ensuring that the voices of both urban and rural residents are heard. The Sabah Logistics Council, with its diverse membership, can play a pivotal role in facilitating this engagement process.
The establishment of the Sabah Logistics Council (SLC) marks a crucial step in Sabah’s preparation for a transport masterplan. The SLC serves as a central authority to address the fragmented logistics landscape in Sabah, integrating stakeholders from the government, private sector, and logistics industry to drive trade facilitation and enhance the supply chain economy. This coordinated approach is essential for developing a cohesive masterplan.
Long-Term Vision with Flexible Implementation
Sabah’s transport masterplan should provide a long-term vision, looking ahead to 2050 and beyond. However, it must also be flexible enough to adapt to changing technologies and socio-economic conditions. This balance between long-term planning and adaptability is crucial in a rapidly evolving world where innovations in transport technology can quickly reshape the landscape.
Multi-Modal Focus and Intermodal Connectivity
Given Sabah’s diverse geography, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, the masterplan must focus on developing multiple transport modes. This includes upgrading road networks, exploring the potential for rail systems, enhancing port facilities, and improving air connectivity. Crucially, the plan should emphasise intermodal connectivity, ensuring seamless transitions between different transport modes for both passengers and freight.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
As a state renowned for its natural beauty, Sabah’s transport masterplan must prioritise environmental sustainability. This includes strategies for transitioning to low-emission vehicles, promoting public transport usage, and incorporating green infrastructure. The plan should also consider the potential impacts of climate change on transport infrastructure, ensuring resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Economic and Social Development Alignment
The transport masterplan must align closely with Sabah’s economic development goals. This includes improving connectivity to key economic zones, such as the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and the Sapangar Bay Container Port. Additionally, the plan should address social equity by improving transport access for rural and underserved communities, thereby promoting inclusive growth across the state.
Infrastructure Modernisation and Technology Integration
A critical aspect of the masterplan should be the modernisation of existing infrastructure. This includes upgrading roads, bridges, and public transport systems. Moreover, the plan should incorporate modern technologies such as intelligent transport systems, digital ticketing platforms, and real-time traffic management solutions. These technological advancements can significantly enhance the efficiency and user-friendliness of Sabah’s transport network.
Funding Strategies and Implementation Roadmap
Developing a comprehensive transport masterplan is a significant undertaking that requires substantial financial resources. The plan must include realistic cost estimates and explore various funding options, including public-private partnerships and international development grants. Furthermore, a clear implementation roadmap with short, medium, and long-term actions is essential to ensure the plan’s successful execution.
Governance and Institutional Framework
Finally, the masterplan should establish robust governance structures for overseeing its implementation. This includes clearly defined roles and responsibilities for various government agencies and stakeholders. The Sabah Logistics Council can play a crucial role in this regard, serving as a coordinating body to ensure the plan’s smooth execution.
Alignment with National Objectives
The development of Sabah’s transport masterplan is significantly influenced by the National Transport Policy (NTP) 2019-2030, which provides a strategic framework for aligning the state’s transport development with national objectives. The NTP plays a crucial role in several key areas:
Strategic Direction:
The NTP outlines five strategic thrusts aimed at building a seamless, safe, and sustainable transport ecosystem. For Sabah, these objectives are tailored to its specific needs, ensuring that the state’s transport and trade facilitation align with the nation’s broader goals. This alignment helps Sabah to develop a masterplan that is both locally relevant and nationally coherent.
Infrastructure Development:
The policy emphasises infrastructure development, which is critical for Sabah. It provides a blueprint for upgrading transport networks, particularly focusing on projects like the Sapangar Bay Container Port, which is positioned as a regional transshipment hub. The policy also guides the enhancement of road connectivity between industrial zones, ports, and rural areas, which is essential for fostering economic inclusivity in Sabah.
Intermodal Connectivity:
One of the key aspects of the NTP that influences Sabah’s masterplan is the focus on intermodal transport solutions. The policy encourages the integration of road, rail, and air links, which would significantly improve the movement of goods within and beyond the state. This approach is particularly relevant for Sabah, given its diverse geography and the need to connect coastal areas with inland regions.
Governance and Coordination:
The NTP provides a framework for improving governance and coordination, which is crucial for Sabah where federal and state policies must be harmonised. The establishment of platforms like the National Transport Council allows Sabah to align its transport strategies with federal policies while addressing local needs. This coordination mechanism is essential for the effective implementation of Sabah’s transport masterplan.
Sustainability and Technology Integration:
The NTP emphasises environmental sustainability and the integration of modern technologies. These aspects are incorporated into Sabah’s masterplan through strategies for transitioning to low-emission vehicles, promoting public transport usage, and incorporating green infrastructure. The policy also guides the integration of intelligent transport systems and digital platforms, enhancing the efficiency of Sabah’s transport network.
By aligning its transport masterplan with the NTP 2019-2030, Sabah ensures that its transport development is in harmony with national objectives while addressing its unique local challenges and opportunities. This alignment is crucial for securing federal support, accessing resources, and contributing to Malaysia’s broader transport and economic goals.
In conclusion, initiating Sabah’s first-ever transport masterplan is a complex but essential undertaking.
By addressing these prerequisites, Sabah can develop a comprehensive and effective plan that not only addresses current shortcomings but also paves the way for a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable future. As the state embarks on this journey, it has the opportunity to create a transport network that truly serves the needs of its people and supports its long-term development aspirations.
