Federation: Logistics costs in Sarawak projected to drop by nearly 20 pct following Pan Borneo completion

KUCHING (Feb 8): Logistics costs are projected to drop by nearly 20 per cent following improved infrastructure, particularly the completed Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak, said Datuk Ng Koong Sinn.

The Malaysia Trucking Federation president said with the Pan Borneo Highway now fully completed, the ‘arteries’ of Sarawak are finally wide and smooth.

“We are seeing travel times between Kuching and Miri slashed. Logistics costs are projected to drop by nearly 20 per cent, thanks to better infrastructure.

“But this, however, is likely to be offset by the non-overloading policy from the federal Ministry of Transport,” he said during the Sarawak Lorries Transport Association’s (SLTA) 42nd anniversary cum pre-Spring Festival dinner held at SJKC Chung Hua No.3 here on Saturday.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian was the guest of honour who also witnessed the installation ceremony of SLTA’s 21st committee line-up.

Ng said the Pan Borneo Highway “is not just asphalt but a bridge” to new markets and a safer journey for all lorry drivers.

Noting that such connectivity has shortened distances and spurred growth across Sarawak, he hailed the state government for a job well done.

According to him, development brings not only opportunity but also the need to evolve.

“As we move toward realising the Sarawak Maju Makmur 2030 Vision, our industry is becoming smarter.

“We are seeing the rollout of Speed Limitation Devices (SLD) and Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking. While these changes bring compliance pressures, they are the tools that will make our roads the safest in Malaysia,” he said.

Ng added that the federation will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Transport Sarawak to ensure these policies remain practical and fair for the local operators.

He said Sarawak is no longer just a state; it is becoming a regional logistics hub.

“From the upcoming Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) in Kuching to the development of deep-sea ports and the Trans Borneo Highway,  the volume of trade is set to explode.

“Our lorries will be the ones moving the goods that build this new Sarawak,” he enthused.

He observed that the transport industry is often the first to feel the heat of economic shifts, yet always the last to give up.

“Like the legendary horse, we must move forward with courage, tenacity and intelligence.

“As we gather to celebrate SLTA’s 42nd anniversary and with Chinese New Year around the corner, the air is filled with more than just festive joy—it is filled with a sense of momentum,” said Ng.

Proposing a toast to a year of smooth roads, safe journeys and overflowing prosperity, he wished all: “Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy New Year!”