Data, Digitalisation Vital In Unlocking Sabah’s Trade Potential

By Jailani Hasan

LABUAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- Data and digitalisation are becoming vital tools in unlocking Sabah’s full trade and logistics potential, with a logistics expert calling for deeper integration and coordination across the state’s supply chain ecosystem.

Former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia Datuk Dr Ramli Amir said digital transformation, including the development of centralised logistics data platforms, is essential for Sabah to remain competitive in regional and global markets.

“Without data, we cannot plan, coordinate and optimise operations. 

“Data enables us to assess performance and identify gaps, whether at port operations, inland connectivity or customs,” he said in a note to Bernama today.

He noted Sabah’s ports, particularly Sepanggar Bay Container Port have grown in capacity and importance, but the state still suffers from siloed data systems and fragmented coordination among stakeholders.

Ramli sees the need for a unified digital trade ecosystem where customs, ports, freight forwarders, and government agencies operate through integrated platforms to improve turnaround times and facilitate real-time cargo tracking.

He said Sabah should accelerate the adoption of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics to support trade flows and strategic planning.

Citing best practices from countries like Vietnam and Singapore, Ramli stressed that Sabah must move towards a data-centric approach to trade facilitation, especially under Malaysia’s broader initiatives like the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN connectivity goals.

“This is not about adopting technology for the sake of it. It’s about using digitalisation to strengthen competitiveness, enhance transparency, and build a logistics ecosystem that’s ready for the future,” he said.

-- BERNAMA