Samalaju Port pioneers Smart Barrier Gates in major step toward fully automated operations
SAMALAJU (July 17): Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) leads the way as Sarawak's first seaport terminal to implement Smart Barrier Gates powered by cutting-edge technology, said Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani.
This achievement marked a significant milestone in the digital transformation of Bintulu Port Group, Ruslan said during the official launch of Smart Barrier Gates on Wednesday.
'This is one of the low-hanging fruits from our digital agenda and a reflection of our commitment to technological excellence and operational efficiency,' he added.
The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Dato Majang Renggi.
He said the Smart Barrier Gate System, a key part of SIPSB's push towards automation and digitalisation, is designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and security at the port's entry points.
The system integrates four core technologies into a single seamless ecosystem.
'The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) will automatically read and interpret container numbers, eliminating manual input and reducing processing time by up to 80 per cent,' he said.
According to Ruslan, the Artificial Image Recording (AIR) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost the accuracy of cargo identification, ensuring compliance with international standards.
While the License Plate Recognition (LPR) enables secure, automated vehicle access for a smoother user experience, the fourth feature – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – enhances access control through secure, automated user identification.
'This achievement represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and our vision of creating a truly smart port environment that will set new standards – and this is just the first step,' Ruslan said.
He also revealed that the Smart Barrier Gate System is only the beginning of a broader digital transformation roadmap for Bintulu Port Group.
Ruslan said upcoming initiatives include the Port Operating System (POS), Smart CCTV with AI capability, nested drones, Digital Tally, and a next-generation Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS).
'Ultimately, we are going to have an Integrated Operation Centre (IOC),' he added.
Ruslan also emphasised the port's vision to implement full-fledged automation, an initiative that no other port in Malaysia has fully undertaken.
He said a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the group to implement the automation further cements their path towards making this a reality.
'This creates an intelligent port environment that enhances our security protocols, improves our service delivery to valued customers and stakeholders, and positions us at the forefront of logistics innovation,' he explained.
'As digitalisation becomes increasingly vital in global trade, the steps taken by Samalaju Industrial Port and by extension Bintulu Port Group, solidify their position as regional leaders in technological innovation and operational excellence, paving the way for future advancements in Sarawak's maritime sector and beyond.' AI automation Samalaju Industrial Port Smart Barrier Gates
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Borneo Post
3 days ago
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Samalaju Port pioneers Smart Barrier Gates in major step toward fully automated operations
Majang (centre) cuts the ribbon to launch the event, as Ruslan (fourth right) and others look on. SAMALAJU (July 17): Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) leads the way as Sarawak's first seaport terminal to implement Smart Barrier Gates powered by cutting-edge technology, said Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad president and chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the digital transformation of Bintulu Port Group, Ruslan said during the official launch of Smart Barrier Gates on Wednesday. 'This is one of the low-hanging fruits from our digital agenda and a reflection of our commitment to technological excellence and operational efficiency,' he added. The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Dato Majang Renggi. He said the Smart Barrier Gate System, a key part of SIPSB's push towards automation and digitalisation, is designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and security at the port's entry points. The system integrates four core technologies into a single seamless ecosystem. 'The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) will automatically read and interpret container numbers, eliminating manual input and reducing processing time by up to 80 per cent,' he said. According to Ruslan, the Artificial Image Recording (AIR) uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost the accuracy of cargo identification, ensuring compliance with international standards. While the License Plate Recognition (LPR) enables secure, automated vehicle access for a smoother user experience, the fourth feature – Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) – enhances access control through secure, automated user identification. 'This achievement represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and our vision of creating a truly smart port environment that will set new standards – and this is just the first step,' Ruslan said. He also revealed that the Smart Barrier Gate System is only the beginning of a broader digital transformation roadmap for Bintulu Port Group. Ruslan said upcoming initiatives include the Port Operating System (POS), Smart CCTV with AI capability, nested drones, Digital Tally, and a next-generation Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS). 'Ultimately, we are going to have an Integrated Operation Centre (IOC),' he added. Ruslan also emphasised the port's vision to implement full-fledged automation, an initiative that no other port in Malaysia has fully undertaken. He said a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the group to implement the automation further cements their path towards making this a reality. 'This creates an intelligent port environment that enhances our security protocols, improves our service delivery to valued customers and stakeholders, and positions us at the forefront of logistics innovation,' he explained. 'As digitalisation becomes increasingly vital in global trade, the steps taken by Samalaju Industrial Port and by extension Bintulu Port Group, solidify their position as regional leaders in technological innovation and operational excellence, paving the way for future advancements in Sarawak's maritime sector and beyond.' AI automation Samalaju Industrial Port Smart Barrier Gates
Borneo Post
4 days ago
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Sarawak pioneers port innovations with launch of Samalaju's smart barrier gate system
SIPSB chief executive officer Sufri Bohari (left) briefs Majang on the features and functions of the smart barrier gate system. SAMALAJU (July 17): Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) officially launched its smart barrier gate system yesterday. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi, who officiated at the event, said the installation of the system is a celebration of Sarawak's emergence as a pioneer in smart port technology, spearheading the adoption of advanced systems that place the state at the forefront of the industry in this region. 'The future of port operations lies in smart, automated systems that enhance efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability,' he said. The Samalaju assemblyman explained that the new system integrates multiple cutting-edge technologies, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Artificial Image Recording (AIR), Licence Plate Recognition (LPR), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Majang said these innovations enable the automatic identification of vehicles, container numbers, and streamlined access control thus drastically reducing processing times and minimising human error. 'This smart gate system reflects an impressive level of technical sophistication. The ability to automate container and vehicle identification while boosting security is exactly the kind of advancement Sarawak needs to remain globally competitive,' he said. Majang pointed out that this innovation reaffirms Sarawak's strategic role as a regional logistics gateway, connecting Southeast Asia to the world as well as supports Sarawak's broader ambition of becoming a key hub for trade and commerce. He urged players in the maritime and logistics industry to embrace similar transformations. 'This is the kind of innovation we need across the board. I encourage all industry stakeholders to follow SIPSB's lead and continue exploring technologies that improve efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness,' he said. The smart barrier gate initiative aligns with Sarawak's digital economy aspirations and is expected to strengthen the operational capacity of its ports in handling growing trade volumes with enhanced security and speed.
The Sun
03-07-2025
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GFM Services acquires 60% of Shapadu Energy
KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated facilities management (IFM) services provider GFM Services Bhd signed a conditional share sale agreement with Shapadu Corporation Sdn Bhd to acquire a 60% equity interest in Shapadu Energy Sdn Bhd for RM30 million. The acquisition follows the signing of the heads of agreement by both parties in December 2024. GFM Services group managing director Ruslan Nordin said this acquisition is a strategic step forward in scaling up the company's O&G FM capabilities and scope. 'It represents a key milestone in the group's long-term strategy to strengthen and expand our presence in this high-value segment. 'By acquiring Shapadu Energy, we will gain access to an established customer base, resources, and expertise, particularly at the PIC under the Integrated Turnaround Main Mechanical & Maintenance Mechanical Static (TA4MS) contract,' he said in a statement. Shapadu Energy is involved in the oil & gas (O&G) downstream maintenance and turnaround services, as well as upstream maintenance, hook-up and commissioning activities. Through its subsidiary Shapadu CR Asia Sdn Bhd, it holds the TA4MS contract from Pengerang Refining Company Sdn Bhd and Pengerang Petrochemical Company Sdn Bhd—joint venture companies formed between Saudi Aramco and Petronas. The contract involves providing a plant turnaround services to Pengerang Refining and Pengerang Petrochemical at the Pengerang Refinery and Petrochemical Complex within the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) in Johor as needed. This complements GFM's own O&G arm via Highbase Strategic Sdn Bhd, which also holds a TA4MS contract from Petronas. The acquisition builds upon GFM's acquisition of Highbase in December 2023, which marked the group's entry into the O&G facilities maintenance (FM) sector. With both Highbase and Shapadu Energy operating under TA4MS contracts, the enlarged group will be well-positioned to grow its presence and participate more competitively in larger, more complex projects at the PIC. 'The combined capabilities of both entities are expected to unlock synergies across the enlarged group. These include increased market presence via strategic collaboration, as well as shared use of manpower and equipment, which may lead to cost rationalisation, improved operational efficiency, and stronger overall financial performance. 'We are confident that Shapadu Energy's skilled management team will strengthen our O&G segment, leveraging their industry expertise to drive growth and enhance operational performance,' Ruslan added. The strategic value of the acquisition is further supported by the robust financial performance of Shapadu Energy's subsidiary SCRA, which holds the TA4MS contract. Over the past three years, SCRA demonstrated consistent revenue growth from RM37.2 million in the financial year ended Dec 31, 2021 (FY21) to RM114.7 million in FY24, representing a 45% compound annual growth rate). Net profit also more than tripled from RM2.5 million in FY21 to RM8.8 million in FY24. This growth trajectory is expected to contribute positively to the group's profitability post-acquisition. Upon completion of the acquisition, GFM will hold a 60% equity interest in Shapadu Energy, while the remaining 40% will be retained by Shapadu Corporation. Consequently, Shapadu Energy will become a 60%-owned subsidiary of GFM and will remain an independently managed business unit under the group. GFM has also entered into a conditional Call Option Agreement, granting Shapadu Corporation the right to purchase a 15%-equity interest in Shapadu Energy for RM10 million. This option is exercisable within 24 months from the completion of the acquisition. The RM30 million acquisition will be satisfied entirely in cash. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the second half of 2025.
