Kuala Lumpur (Dec 16) - Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd anticipates that consistent gateway trade, gradually improving investor sentiment, and continued demand for dependable logistics services will underpin its performance next year, as Sabah further cements its role in regional supply chains.
Reflecting on developments in 2025, the port operator said in a written interview with Bernama that Sabah’s trade activity has been largely supported by steady movements in palm oil, fertilisers, industrial inputs, consumer goods, and manufacturing. These sectors have remained key contributors to trade flows and continue to form the foundation of Sabah Ports’ cargo volumes.
Sabah Ports managing director Datuk Ng Kiat Min, who also serves as group managing director of Suria Capital Holdings Bhd, said container volumes remained on an upward trend as regional demand stabilised and major industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture sustained regular import and export activity.
From January to October, Sabah Ports recorded stable operational results, with total throughput increasing by 1.5 per cent to 14.52 million tonnes, compared with 14.30 million tonnes during the same period in 2024. Container handling rose to 443,884 TEUs over the first 10 months, representing a 6.8 per cent increase from 415,605 TEUs a year earlier, supported by steady trade flows and strong demand.
The operator noted that the expansion of the Sapangar Bay Container Port was the most significant milestone achieved during the year. Progress on the development remains on track and is expected to substantially boost berth capacity, yard space, and equipment readiness to accommodate Sabah’s growing container traffic and future transhipment potential.
Ng also said the construction of a new jetty at the Sapangar Bay Oil Terminal has been completed and has been undergoing trial operations since November 2025, marking an important milestone for oil terminal activities. The new facility is expected to enhance safety, improve operational flexibility, and increase vessel handling efficiency for petroleum and other liquid cargoes.
At Tawau Port, operational capacity and efficiency have been further reinforced with the procurement of two new quay cranes, a major equipment upgrade aimed at improving productivity and shortening vessel turnaround times. Ng said the cranes are scheduled to be commissioned in the first quarter of next year.
Sabah Ports added that Malaysian ports, supported by Sabah’s strategic gateway network, remain well positioned to sustain their relevance in the region and will continue contributing to Malaysia’s export-led growth into 2026.
According to Ng, ongoing palm oil exports, shipments from China-based solar glass manufacturer Kibing Group, copper foil produced by global supplier SK Nexilis, along with other industrial outputs, continue to underpin the port’s cargo volumes and strengthen its role within regional trade corridors.