Bridging Digital Divide Critical To Sabah's Inclusive Logistics Growth
By Jailani Hasan
LABUAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- Sabah's logistics and trade sector can only thrive if efforts to digitalise are matched by strong support for small businesses and rural communities, a regional logistics expert said.
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 said despite digital advancement in port infrastructure and logistics planning, many parts of Sabah remain digitally disconnected.
'We must ensure that digitalisation does not widen the development gap. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and rural logistics players in Sabah need the same access to tools, platforms and support to participate in this transformation,' he told Bernama today.
Ramli noted many micro-enterprises and rural businesses struggle with limited connectivity, lack of awareness and insufficient digital training, which prevents them from benefitting from data-driven trade initiatives.
He suggested that targeted interventions, such as capacity-building programmes, inclusive policy frameworks, and public-private collaborations, are essential to bring these players on board.
He also called for broader investment in digital infrastructure and broadband expansion in underserved areas.
'Digital transformation must be inclusive… if only the urban and large players benefit, we risk leaving a major portion of the economy behind,' he said.
He said Sabah's strategic position in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub-region makes it uniquely placed to benefit from regional trade agreements, but only if its entire logistics network – including rural feeder routes, community ports, and land transport – is included in the digital upgrade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Ringgit extends gains against the greenback
At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.2255/2300 versus the greenback. KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit extended its gains against the US dollar at yesterday's close, lifted by the latest fiscal support measures announced by the government as foreign funds flocked into the local equity market, says an analyst. The local currency was also supported by optimism following the US-Japan trade deal which boosted Asian equity and foreign exchange markets across the board. At 6pm, the ringgit rose to 4.2255/2300 versus the greenback compared with Tuesday's close of 4.2300/2370. SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said the ringgit was supported by regional tailwinds after US President Donald Trump struck a 'massive' trade deal with Japan on Tuesday, which included cutting US tariff on the latter to 15% from 25% The deal had boosted market optimism which lifted stocks and Asian currencies, including the ringgit. — Bernama
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
PM: Tokenisation and digital assets must benefit all
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will continue to ensure that the implementation of tokenisation and digital assets is inclusive, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In a post on X last night, the Prime Minister said the implementation would also deliver broad benefits to the people and be strictly regulated to ensure the safety and stability of the country's digital ecosystem. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, chaired the second Digital Assets and Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council meeting of the year today, which focused on the future of digital assets in Malaysia's capital market. "Among the main agenda items discussed were developments in blockchain technology, tokenisation, post-quantum cryptography, and the launch of the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI), which is a key driver of the nation's digital ecosystem." "This meeting also served as a platform to exchange views on global market trends, the potential of digital assets, and future performance expectations based on technical perspectives from strategic partners," he added. On May 6, the Malaysian Securities Commission issued a consultation paper to gather public feedback on the proposed framework for tokenised capital market products. The paper seeks input on key areas including governance controls, record-keeping and registration requirements, technology risk management, and additional requirements for licensed individuals dealing with tokenised capital market products.– BERNAMA
Barnama
5 hours ago
- Barnama
PM's Announcement Shows MADANI Gov't Committed To Easing People's Burden
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- Leaders of state governments have described Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of several initiatives today as proof of the continued concern and commitment of the MADANI Government in assisting to ease the people's burden. In NEGERI SEMBILAN, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the initiatives announced, including the one-time provision of RM100 under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme and petrol price reduction, are a good start and can ease the people's burden. "Such announcements give meaning to the people... for those in need, it is a very meaningful gift and can help them in their daily lives,' he told reporters after chairing the state executive council meeting in Seremban today. Aminuddin, who is also the Port Dickson Member of Parliament, said the state government welcomed the good news and is confident it can encourage the people to continue to be positive in facing daily life challenges. He added that the government's decision to multiply the MADANI Rahmah Sales and double the allocation for the programme to RM600 million was also the best initiative that will significantly benefit the people. In MELAKA, the state government will plan tourism activities for visitors in conjunction with the additional public holiday on Sept 15 to further invigorate the tourism sector in the state as part of its new industry, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof. "I will make this tourism sector a new industry in Melaka… it will have all kinds (of tourism activities in Melaka), covering air, land and sea,' he told reporters outside the State Legislative Assembly sitting today. In SELANGOR, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari described the announcement of the one-off RM100 aid through MyKad under SARA as proof of the MADANI Government's care and concern towards the people's plight. He said that with 22 million Malaysians set to benefit from the total allocation of RM2 billion via SARA, it will help propel the economic cycle forward through the expected spending or purchase transactions.
