Labuan: The Sabah Ports and Harbour Department (JPDS) collected more than RM40 million in revenue throughout 2025, marking an increase from the approximately RM39 million recorded the previous year. Deputy Sabah Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedict noted that JPDS is among the newly aligned departments and agencies under his ministry following the transport portfolio realignment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, JPDS serves as a pivotal entity in regulating water traffic and developing public jetties, making significant contributions to the Sabah state government's revenue. Datuk Ewon Benedict highlighted JPDS's responsibilities, which encompass regulating water traffic within port limits, jetties, rivers, coastal areas, and tidal zones. Additionally, the department is tasked with providing and maintaining essential facilities such as government wharves, public jetties, barter trade jetties, and passenger landing terminals.

Ewon Benedict expressed appreciation for JPDS's existing initiatives and development plans aimed at delivering optimal services to customers and stakeholders. During a working visit to JPDS in Labuan, JPDS director Maswandie Maimon provided a briefing on the department's roles, current developments, and future plans across Sabah.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), JPDS is set to execute 23 projects with a total approved allocation of RM4.75 million for 2026. In addition to the JPDS visit, Ewon, who also holds the position of Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship, and Transport, visited Labuan-based Pandikar Food. This enterprise, which produces sambal garing products from shrimp and fish, has successfully entered the Brunei market.

The delegation also toured the QCC Baked outlet in Labuan. This enterprise, which originated at the SEDCO Complex and received support from the Sabah Entrepreneur Transformation Programme, has expanded into a franchise business with eight outlets in Sabah, two in Labuan, and five in Peninsular Malaysia.