Sabah plans major east coast industrial, logistics hub

PORT KLANG (Selangor): An ambitious idea is being explored that, if realised, could turn a part of Sabah into a major global industrial and logistics centre.

An estimated 100km from seafront land which forms part of the Dent Peninsula, in south-eastern Sabah has been identified. The stretch starts from Lahad Datu where a stateowned POIC Lahad Datu to the tip of the Dent Peninsula, which is a major oil palm growing area under the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).

This was the gist of the proposal disclosed at a press conference after the signing of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement between Northport (Malaysia) Berhad and POIC Sabah Sdn Bhd, the developer of POIC Lahad Datu and owner of the POIC Port Lahad Datu.

The proposal leverages on the existing port infrastructure in POIC Lahad Datu, the deep draft of the harbour in Darvel Bay, the resource-rich BIMP-EAGA territories and the burgeoning Lombok-Makassar shipping route along which lies POIC Lahad Datu.

“This can potentially become the largest logistics and industrial hub in Malaysia,” said Datuk Dr Pang Teck Wai, the Chief Executive Officer of POIC Sabah.

He said the extensive land fronting unobstructed deep water and immediate hinterland means the area could develop long berthing quays for international shipping.

Dato’ Azman Shah Mohd Yusof, the Chief Executive Officer of Northport, signed on behalf of his company. The signing was witnessed by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Northport is a major Malaysian port. It comes under the MMC Corporation Group which operates the Pelabuhan Tanjug Pelepas, the largest container port in Malaysia. It also operates the Johor Port, Penang Port and Tanjung Bruas Port, amongst others.

In his speech, Madius said that through its association with Northport, POIC Sabah can look forward to gaining on port management experience, and play a role in the expansion of trading activities in and with BIMP-EAGA territories.

Earlier, Northport’s Azman said: “The signing sealed both parties’ commitment to cooperate in port management and facilitate trade between West Malaysia and East Malaysia, as well as the neighbouring region with special focus on the BIMP-EAGA trade route.”