Sabah dan Sarawak: ke arah pembentukan pelabuhan moden di Malaysia dalam abad ke-21

Today, Malaysia is emerging as a maritime nation, focusing on the port and shipping industry which becoming one of the important sectors that contribute to the economic development of the country. The rapid development of major ports in West Malaysia namely Port Klang was largely due to the successful implementation of privatization program that was introduced by the government in 1986. This followed by the privatization of other major ports namely Penang, Johor, Kuantan, and Bintulu. The emerging of Tanjung Pelepas Port in the beginning of the 21st century marked a new era in the Malaysian port industry where the port has emerged as the best new emerging port in the world and ready to compete with other ports globally. Although most major ports are located in West Malaysia, other ports which are located in East Malaysia namely Bintulu, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan have played a crucial role in serving the regional trade and neighboring countries namely Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines and the lucrative sea route to China, South Korea and Japan. With the rapid development of world trade and international shipping, Malaysian ports including those in Sabah and Sarawak need to be upgraded and equipped with the latest state-of-the art facilities and infrastructure in order to provide better services. Under the Ninth Malaysian Plan, the eight principal ports managed and operated by Sabah Port Sdn. Bhd. and those in Sarawak are expected to play a catalytic role in economic development of the states and contribute to further raising the profile of Malaysian ports and strengthening their role in the international port system