Kota Kinabalu — As Sabah positions itself to become a leading logistics hub in Southeast Asia, the state faces significant challenges related to road infrastructure. While the strategic location and ongoing investments in logistics facilities promise economic growth, persistent road issues threaten to undermine these efforts. By addressing these challenges through lessons learned from other Malaysian states, Sabah can pave the way for a more efficient logistics network.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Development
Sabah’s geographical advantage at the northern tip of Borneo places it at the crossroads of major shipping routes in the South China Sea. This positioning makes it an essential gateway for trade between ASEAN countries and global markets.
The Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) is central to this vision, currently undergoing an expansion to increase its handling capacity from 500,000 TEUs to 1.25 million TEUs by 2025.
This partnership between Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd and DP World aims to optimize operations and enhance trade connectivity, as highlighted by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World: “With its strategic location and abundance of natural resources, Sabah is well-positioned to reap immense growth opportunities in the BIMP-EAGA region and beyond.
The Sabah State Government is also investing in modern port facilities, roads, and airports to streamline the movement of goods and reduce logistics costs. Key developments include the expansion of SBCP, upgrades to existing ports in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu, and improvements to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
Road Condition Challenges
Despite these advancements, Sabah grapples with significant road infrastructure issues that hinder its logistics ambitions. The primary causes of potholes include:
- Patching Materials Not According to Specifications: Poor-quality materials lead to rapid deterioration of repairs.
- Improper Patching Methods: Repairs often focus only on visible holes rather than addressing underlying issues.
- Ineffective Routine Inspections: Infrequent inspections allow small cracks to develop into larger potholes.
- Delayed Repairs: Identified potholes often remain unaddressed for extended periods.
- Unskilled Workmanship: Many maintenance workers lack proper training, resulting in subpar repairs.
- Non-Compliance with SOPs: The absence of strict adherence to maintenance protocols leads to inconsistent repairs across the road network.
These factors contribute to safety hazards for motorists, increased vehicle maintenance costs, and delays in cargo transport. As Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir noted, “Without effective road infrastructure, Sabah risks losing its potential as a thriving logistics hub”.
To improve road conditions, Sabah can adopt successful strategies from states like Selangor:
- Implement Strict SOPs for Road Maintenance: Establish clear protocols for timely repairs using durable materials.
- Strengthen Monitoring and Enforcement: Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with maintenance standards.
- Quality Control of Materials: Ensure that all materials used meet durability specifications through audits.
- Workforce Training: Provide training programs for road maintenance workers to enhance skills and adherence to SOPs.
- Public Engagement: Develop platforms for residents to report road issues and track repair progress.
Government Initiatives
The Sabah government has recognized the need for substantial investment in infrastructure development. In Budget 2025, RM2.6 billion has been allocated for improving infrastructure and utilities across the state.
This includes RM424.53 million specifically earmarked for constructing and upgrading roads in urban and rural areas. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya emphasized that “additional allocations are crucial for maintaining old roads”.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also called on the Sabah government to efficiently tackle infrastructure issues following increased budget allocations. He stated that while the budget may not resolve all problems, it represents a bold attempt by the federal government to address long-standing infrastructure challenges.
Conclusion
Sabah stands at a critical juncture in its development journey. With strategic investments in logistics infrastructure and a commitment to addressing road challenges through best practices from other Malaysian states, the region has the potential to emerge as a leading logistics hub in Southeast Asia. By learning from successful models like Selangor’s Road maintenance strategies and leveraging partnerships such as the one with DP World at SBCP, Sabah can achieve seamless connectivity and lasting prosperity.
As Datuk Ng Kiat Min stated, “The synergy with DP World can potentially address high logistics costs faced in Sabah while attracting economic investments”. With coordinated efforts from government agencies, private stakeholders, and industry experts like Ts Dr. Hj Ramli Amir, Sabah can realize its vision of becoming a vital player in the regional logistics landscape while overcoming its current road infrastructure challenges.
Author – This piece is a collaborative effort by Anbukkarasu Paramasivam and Noel Marcellus Micheal, esteemed senior lecturers from the Commerce Department, specializing in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Polytechnic Kota Kinabalu.
This article was received via the official Sabah Media email. The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sabah Media or its affiliates.
