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.
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