Kota Kinabalu: Two Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) were inked between three local companies to provide mooring and towage services at the Sipitang and Kimanis ports, a move State Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said will strengthen Sabah’s maritime workforce.
“Today’s signing is more than the execution of business agreements. It reflects the confidence of our local industry in Sabah’s growing Blue Economy and the commitment of Sabah-based companies to work together in developing local capabilities, creating quality employment opportunities and building long-term capacity for the maritime industry,” Ewon said.
“The collaboration marks another significant milestone in strengthening Sabah’s maritime and offshore support services sector,” he said when witnessing the inking ceremony between Eastport Marine Sdn Bhd, BMM Marine Services Sdn Bhd and KCCI Venture Sdn Bhd at the Wisma Perindustrian, here, Thursday.
The first MoA was inked between BMM Marine Services, represented by Datuk Captain Walter Nair and Cyril Joe and KCCI Venture, represented by Datuk Ladislaus Maluda and Datuk Stephen Sampil.
It covers the provision of mooring services for berthing and unberthing of vessels at the import wharf and export wharf of the Esteel bulk terminal at the Sipitang Sogip Port.
The second MoA is between Eastport Marine, represented by Benjamin Nair and Neville Philip and KCCI Venture, represented by Ladislaus and Stephen.
It covers the provision of towage services for tankers at the Single Point Mooring, Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal, Kimanis Port Limit and the PCFSSB Jetty at Sogip Port Limit.
Additionally, Ewon said the intention to employ qualified local crew and strengthen Sabah’s maritime workforce is fully aligned with the State Government’s aspiration to create high-value employment while retaining specialised maritime expertise within Sabah.
He said Sabah is entering an exciting phase of industrial growth, with major investments in dry bulk, oil and gas, petrochemicals, logistics, renewable energy and the Blue Economy continuing to create new opportunities for Sabahans.
“These are highly specialised services that require professionalism, technical competence and an uncompromising commitment to safety,” he said.
He is pleased that they recognised these opportunities and have taken the initiative to establish a strategic partnership combining industry experience, local participation and technical capability.
He pointed out that the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan places strong emphasis on industrialisation, investment, infrastructure development and the Blue Economy.
“Today, ports are no longer just gateways for cargo. They have evolved into strategic economic hubs that support energy security, facilitate international trade and enhance regional competitiveness,” he said.
He said for Sabah to realise its full potential, the State must continue building an integrated maritime ecosystem comprising modern port infrastructure, competitive marine service providers, skilled local professionals, safe and efficient marine operations and strong collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“This partnership exemplifies the type of collaboration that we wish to encourage,” he said, commending all parties for placing strong emphasis on safety, environmental stewardship, good governance, transparency and regulatory compliance throughout the collaboration.
“These principles are fundamental to maintaining the confidence of industry stakeholders and international investors,” he said, encouraging all parties to look past the immediate opportunities.
On that note, he said the Sabah Government is committed to supporting responsible investments that generate sustainable economic growth, strengthen local participation and contribute to the prosperity of the State.
Also present were Sabah Ports Authority Chairman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin and Esteel Enterprise Sabah Managing Director Nick Xu Yihang, among others.
