Latest news with #JailaniHasan
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah's First Locally Developed e-Hailing App Borneo VeGO Launched
By Jailani Hasan KOTA KINABALU, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Sabah's first locally developed e-hailing application, Borneo VeGO E-Pengangkutan (Borneo VeGo), has been officially launched, marking a new milestone in the state's journey towards digital innovation and community-driven entrepreneurship. The launch was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajij Mohd Noor, yesterday in the presence of cooperative leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders Cooperative of Borneo Transport Entrepreneurs (KUPBB) advisory chairman Rosli Awang Damit said Borneo VeGO was more than just a transportation service. Built under KUPBB, the app is a digital entrepreneurship platform designed to empower local communities. 'Borneo VeGO is not just an e-hailing app. It is a symbol of modern cooperative strength, developed with the spirit of togetherness, fair income distribution, and shared benefits. In terms of functionality, effectiveness, and user comfort, Borneo VeGO can stand alongside global players such as Grab,' Rosli said in a statement to Bernama. He explained that, unlike conventional platforms, Borneo VeGO was created to ensure fairer commission structures and to allow more local drivers, particularly those from rural areas, to participate in the digital economy without depending on external companies. Beyond transport, Rosli said the app also includes food and beverage delivery as well as daily essentials, opening new opportunities for small traders, night market vendors, and traditional food entrepreneurs. 'This initiative will inject fresh momentum into Sabah's micro, small and medium-sized enterprises,' he added. Rosli said the launch was only the beginning, as KUPBB plans more collaborations, training, and incentives to enable more Sabahans to participate and benefit from this digital transformation. 'While challenges lie ahead, with government support, strong community cooperation, and the determination of our cooperative members, Borneo VeGO will continue to grow and become a pride of Sabah,' he continued. 'Borneo VeGO is not just an e-hailing service. It is a unifying platform that connects passengers and drivers, while building a sustainable digital economy for the people of Sabah.' -- BERNAMA
Barnama
25-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 To Generate Over RM20 Mln In Economic Boost For Labuan
GENERAL By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025, which officially begins tomorrow, is already generating significant economic spillover across Labuan, with thousands of visitors arriving for the five-day floral and cultural celebration. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the scale of the event has sparked a "massive local mobilisation effort" that is benefiting businesses and communities throughout the island. 'We are witnessing a strong influx of visitors into Labuan, and this has begun to directly benefit local hoteliers, restaurants, homestay operators, and even house owners who are now opening up their homes as temporary lodging due to overwhelming demand,' she told Bernama after inspecting final preparations at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex here today. Dr Zaliha said preliminary estimates indicate more than RM20 million in revenue is expected to be generated by traders and business operators, driven by high demand for goods, services, and accommodations throughout the event. 'It is projected that over 50,000 come-and-go visitors will attend the festival over the five days, and based on our calculations, each visitor is estimated to spend an average of RM400 during their stay,' she added. The Borneo Flora Festival, hosted in the heart of Labuan town, features spectacular floral exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional crafts showcases, and participation from local and regional government bodies, including representatives from Indonesia's Kalimantan and dignitaries from Sabah and Sarawak. Adding to the prestige of the event, Her Majesty the Raja Permaisuri Agong will officially grace the opening ceremony, joined by the Prime Minister's spouse and the wives of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah and Sarawak. 'This is not just a tourism event. It is a major economic driver, creating income opportunities across sectors, from logistics, hospitality and food supply, to transport and cultural enterprises,' Dr Zaliha said.
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Data, Digitalisation Vital In Unlocking Sabah's Trade Potential
BUSINESS By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- Data and digitalisation are becoming vital tools in unlocking Sabah's full trade and logistics potential, with a logistics expert calling for deeper integration and coordination across the state's supply chain ecosystem. Former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia Datuk Dr Ramli Amir said digital transformation, including the development of centralised logistics data platforms, is essential for Sabah to remain competitive in regional and global markets. 'Without data, we cannot plan, coordinate and optimise operations. 'Data enables us to assess performance and identify gaps, whether at port operations, inland connectivity or customs,' he said in a note to Bernama today. He noted Sabah's ports, particularly Sepanggar Bay Container Port have grown in capacity and importance, but the state still suffers from siloed data systems and fragmented coordination among stakeholders. Ramli sees the need for a unified digital trade ecosystem where customs, ports, freight forwarders, and government agencies operate through integrated platforms to improve turnaround times and facilitate real-time cargo tracking. He said Sabah should accelerate the adoption of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics to support trade flows and strategic planning. Citing best practices from countries like Vietnam and Singapore, Ramli stressed that Sabah must move towards a data-centric approach to trade facilitation, especially under Malaysia's broader initiatives like the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN connectivity goals.
Barnama
22-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Bridging Digital Divide Critical To Sabah's Inclusive Logistics Growth
BUSINESS By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, July 22 (Bernama) -- Sabah's logistics and trade sector can only thrive if efforts to digitalise are matched by strong support for small businesses and rural communities, a regional logistics expert said. Former president of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia Datuk Dr Ramli Amir said despite digital advancement in port infrastructure and logistics planning, many parts of Sabah remain digitally disconnected. 'We must ensure that digitalisation does not widen the development gap. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and rural logistics players in Sabah need the same access to tools, platforms and support to participate in this transformation,' he told Bernama today. Ramli noted many micro-enterprises and rural businesses struggle with limited connectivity, lack of awareness and insufficient digital training, which prevents them from benefitting from data-driven trade initiatives. He suggested that targeted interventions, such as capacity-building programmes, inclusive policy frameworks, and public-private collaborations, are essential to bring these players on board. He also called for broader investment in digital infrastructure and broadband expansion in underserved areas. 'Digital transformation must be inclusive… if only the urban and large players benefit, we risk leaving a major portion of the economy behind,' he said. He said Sabah's strategic position in the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub-region makes it uniquely placed to benefit from regional trade agreements, but only if its entire logistics network – including rural feeder routes, community ports, and land transport – is included in the digital upgrade.
Barnama
25-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak's Self-reliant Infrastructure Surge Sets It Apart From Federally Dependent Sabah
BUSINESS Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir By Jailani Hasan LABUAN, June 25 (Bernama) -- Despite sharing similar geographies and economic aspirations, Sarawak and Sabah have taken markedly different paths in infrastructure development. Former President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Malaysia and vice-president of CILT International for Southeast Asia, Datuk Dr Ramli Amir, said Sarawak has emerged as a model of self-reliance, independently funding large-scale infrastructure projects. At the same time, Sabah remains heavily dependent on federal allocations, resulting in development delays and fragmented logistics. 'Over the past decade, Sarawak has allocated billions of ringgit toward roads, bridges, ports, and industrial zones, all without resorting to debt or federal funding. 'The state government's fiscal discipline and adoption of innovative financing, including an alternative funding model introduced in 2019, have enabled accelerated infrastructure rollout. 'Sarawak's commitment to strategic financial management is exemplified by the RM11 billion invested in ten bridges, executed without external borrowing,' he said in a statement to Bernama today. Ramli said the decision to replace the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund with a unified modern financing mechanism highlights the state's focus on project efficiency and accountability. He added that political stability and a long-term vision have also enabled Sarawak to maintain consistent development through initiatives such as the Coastal Road Network, the Second Trunk Road, deep-seaports, and free industrial zones.
