SANDAKAN: The Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) is scrutinising efforts to increase the efficiency of port operations in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the port-related issues raised by industry players would continue to be the ministry’s main concern.
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“MINDET, under my leadership, remains committed to ensuring port improvement efforts can be implemented by the relevant agencies, government-linked companies and concessionaires, he said in a statement.
He said his working visit to the Sandakan Port on Wednesday was to check on the complaints lodged and to attend a briefing by Sandakan Port manager Hayati Md Enarji.
“I also welcome the commitment of Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd, as the operator of the Sandakan Port, which will bring in new machinery to enhance operational efficiency at the port,” he said.
During the visit, he also chaired a special meeting to discuss matters related to the application of the Sabah Free Zone Palm Oil Industrial Cluster in Lahad Datu.
“I appreciate the views and commitment of all parties in making the Free Zone development in Lahad Datu a success by taking into consideration the balance of environmental conservation. MINDET will bring the outcome of this meeting to the Sabah Cabinet,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ewon also welcomed the active participation of local private companies in the logistics sector, and their efforts to expand the service.
Meanwhile over on the peninsula, the Penang Port Commission (PPC) will explore potential collaboration with Huawei Technologies to jointly advance the digital transformation of Penang Port, as part of efforts to strengthen operational efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime sector.
PPC chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the partnership aims to enhance the integration of port operations with advanced technology, establish industry benchmark projects, create new innovation-driven engines, empower industrial development and comprehensively support the development of a world-class port.
He said ports play a vital role in the transportation sector, with approximately 90 per cent of global trade conducted via maritime shipping.
“The ports’ role in facilitating international trade and regional development is therefore self-evident. In view of the evolution of Industry 4.0 and ‘Internet +’, the integration of digital technologies with traditional industries has become an inevitable trend.
“Ports must urgently pursue digital transformation to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance safety and environmental sustainability,” he said in a statement.
Yeoh emphasised that ports are a strategic pillar of economic development and play a critical role in connecting the world, while smart ports represent the inevitable future direction for port enterprises.
He added that those that take the lead in digital transformation may gain a competitive edge and leadership in the shipping industry.
Meanwhile, Huawei Malaysia vice-president Du Xianjun said the company’s Smart Port Solutions are built upon advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT), incorporating 5G, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
He said the solutions aim to create a more efficient, secure and green modern port operation system by leveraging intelligent data platforms, visualised command centres and fully integrated automated equipment.
The system enables digital management, intelligent dispatching, safety monitoring, and early-warning functions that significantly enhance operational efficiency and resource utilisation.
“In the area of smart customs and clearance management, Huawei’s Smart Customs and Smart Gate solutions utilise visual monitoring, centralised control and intelligent approval mechanisms to significantly shorten cargo clearance times and improve overall efficiency and coordination,” he said.
Du added that Huawei’s solutions also cover remote equipment operations, intelligent tallying and production safety monitoring, supported by end-to-end digital infrastructure that advances automation, sustainability and intelligence in port operations.
Earlier, Yeoh had visited Huawei Technologies (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, where he was welcomed by Du and Huawei Malaysia’s Transportation Solutions director, Hugh Lin.
During the visit, Yeoh was given a comprehensive briefing on Huawei’s innovation strategies and solutions in intelligent transportation and smart ports.
Both parties also held in-depth discussions on aligning these innovative technologies with Malaysia’s port digitalisation needs, and agreed that integrating digital infrastructure with intelligent solutions would better support Malaysian ports in enhancing efficiency and sustainability amid global supply chain competition.
