Lifting of goods transportation restriction will boost Sarawak-Sabah trade, commerce, says business council

KUCHING (Dec 19): The recent decision by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sabah to lift restrictions that previously hindered Sarawak transporters carrying goods to and from Sabah marks a significant milestone in enhancing regional trade and commerce, said the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (BEBC).

In a statement, the council said this development is expected to alleviate financial burdens on transporters and ensure fairer delivery costs for consumers, thereby strengthening the economic ties between Sarawak and Sabah.

“BEBC would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin for his unwavering support in escalating and resolving the pressing issues to the federal government concerning regulatory disparities and backhaul logistics challenges affecting trade and transport operations between Sabah and Sarawak.

“His commitment to enhancing Sarawak’s transportation infrastructure have been pivotal in facilitating this progress and fostering collaboration and dialogue among industry players and government agencies which significantly contributed to creating a more seamless and cost-effective transportation network that benefits all Sarawakians,” it said.

BEBC Malaysia chairman Nobel Pang also commended the proactive measures taken by CVLB, whose engagement with key stakeholders, including representatives from the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) and the Sarawak Forwarding Agencies Association (SFAA), had been crucial in addressing the industry’s challenges.

The council said it looked forward to continued collaboration with the Sarawak Transport Ministry and other stakeholders to further enhance the efficiency and resilience of the transportation sector in East Malaysia.

-Agency