KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd (SPSB) has officially handed over  management and operations of Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) to DP World, a  global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain logistics.  

Congratulating both parties on this significant development, Chief Minister Datuk Seri  Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor reiterated that the strategic collaboration between SPSB  and DP World underscored Sabah’s potential as a key player in regional and global  trade.  

"DP World’s investment in SBCP is a clear demonstration of their confidence in Sabah’s  strategic location and promising growth prospects. 

"This partnership is set to elevate SBCP into a leading regional trade hub within BIMP EAGA and beyond, thus strengthening Sabah’s influence and role within the global  supply chain," he stressed. 

Hajiji said that by improving port efficiency and connectivity, the partnership will unlock  new markets for Sabahan businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.  This will empower local businesses to expand their reach and compete more effectively  on a global scale, driving economic prosperity. 

“I look forward to the integration of advanced logistics and smart technologies, which will  modernise port operations in Sabah, ensuring that our ports remain competitive in the  rapidly evolving global trade environment.” 

“I commend Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd for their vision and dedication in securing this  landmark partnership and laying the foundation for growth and opportunity for Sabah,”  he said. 

Signing on behalf of SPSB were its Chairman Datuk Hj Faisyal Datuk Yusof Hamdan  Diego and Managing Director Datuk Ng Kiat Min while EVP for Southeast Asia DP  World/Director SBCP Sdn Bhd, Xavier Eiglier and Senior Director Business  Development DP World Asia Pacific/Managing Director SBCP Sdn Bhd, Safuan Basir  signed for DP World.

Meanwhile, the collaboration, executed through a joint venture company, SBCP Sdn  Bhd (to be renamed DP World Sabah Sdn Bhd), signified a major advancement in  Sabah's maritime and logistics landscape and marks DP World’s inaugural venture into  the Malaysian market. 

Under this partnership, SPSB and DP World are committed to establishing SBCP as a  premier regional trade hub, especially for the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).  

The strategic focus will encompass enhancing SBCP’s connectivity, operational  efficiency, and terminal capacity, leveraging on DP World's extensive global network and  expertise.  

The collaboration aims to position SBCP as a globally competitive port, energizing trade  and creating robust links between local businesses and international market. The  partnership is also expected to address the long-standing challenges of high logistics costs in Sabah by creating a resilient and efficient supply chain network.  

The partnership took shape in April 2024 when DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO,  Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, signed the strategic agreements, comprising, among  others, the Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement for the joint venture and  the Collaboration Agreement between the JV and SPSB.  

The handover of operation took place on 9th September 2024 marking the start of  SBCP's transformation and integration into DP World’s extensive network of ports and  logistics network around the globe. 

DP World, headquartered in Dubai, has operations in more than 70 countries and is  renowned for its role in establishing Dubai as a global trade hub through the  development of Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA). 

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