Kota kinabalu: 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, emphasized the necessity of digital transformation, including the development of centralised logistics data platforms, for Sabah to stay competitive in regional and global markets.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramli noted that without data, planning, coordination, and optimization of operations become impossible. He stated that data enables performance assessment and gap identification across various areas such as port operations, inland connectivity, or customs. Despite the growth in capacity and importance of Sabah’s ports, particularly Sepanggar Bay Container Port, the state still faces challenges with siloed data systems and fragmented coordination among stakeholders.

Ramli advocates 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 emphasized the need for Sabah to 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. He highlighted that the aim is not merely to adopt technology but to use digitalisation to strengthen competitiveness, enhance transparency, and build a logistics ecosystem ready for the future.