SANDAKAN: Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Malaysia’s leading airline ground handling service provider, in collaboration with Teleport, Southeast Asia’s integrated e-commerce logistics specialist, launched a new air cargo terminal warehouse in Sandakan on Wednesday.
This new facility aims to strengthen cross-border trade capabilities and boost import-export rates in Sabah, supporting the state’s economic growth initiatives.
The launch ceremony was officiated by Sandakan Member of Parliament, Vivian Wong, marking a significant development in the region’s air cargo infrastructure.
The Sandakan Air Cargo Terminal is equipped with advanced cargo handling systems designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The facility represents the first step in a joint expansion strategy between GTR and Teleport, with plans to develop additional cargo terminals at Kota Kinabalu and Tawau airports to fully harness the potential and opportunities offered by Sabah.
In her speech, Vivian stated that the facility would enhance Sandakan’s logistics capabilities and open up new opportunities for local businesses to connect with markets across Malaysia and beyond.
“This is a significant investment in Sandakan’s cross-border trade infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. “Additionally, it supports the electric vehicle industry being developed at POIC and boosts our agricultural export capacity,” she said.
Meanwhile, GTR Chief Executive Officer Musdalifa Abdullah said today’s launch marks the first step in GTR’s comprehensive expansion strategy across Sabah.
“Starting with Sandakan, and to be followed by facilities in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, we are committed to developing world-class cargo infrastructure throughout the region.
“At GTR, we believe that logistics infrastructure is the backbone of economic development. By investing in this facility and our planned network across Sabah, we aim to eliminate trade barriers and create new opportunities for businesses of all sizes,” he said.
Teleport Chief Executive Officer, Pete Chareonwongsak, said Sabah is an extremely important hub for Teleport, as it is the company’s second-largest air cargo hub after Kuala Lumpur in terms of import-export volume.
“Therefore, our investment in this facility in Sandakan reflects our commitment to ensuring that e-commerce businesses of all sizes–especially those in Sandakan–have access to reliable and affordable cross-border shipping, as quickly as the next day.
“More than 40 of Teleport’s partner airlines will also benefit from this facility,” Pete added.
For the record, the new cargo terminal is designed to support the growing trade flow between Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, and international markets, with a focus on developing Sabah as a key logistics hub in the region. (WK)
