BINTULU – Sarawak has marked a new milestone in maritime digitalisation with Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn. Bhd. (SIPSB) becoming the first port terminal in the state to implement a high-tech ‘Smart Barrier Gate’ system.
The breakthrough was launched by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Development and Ports Sarawak, Dato Majang Renggi, at a special ceremony held at the port on Wednesday.
Describing it as a significant leap towards smart port transformation, Dato Majang said the system integrates Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Artificial Image Recording (AIR), License Plate Recognition (LPR) and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to boost operational efficiency.
“This smart integration enhances security, streamlines logistics, reduces human error, and elevates Sarawak as a competitive regional logistics hub,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad President and CEO, Ruslan Abdul Gani, hailed the system’s successful development within just 17 months since February 2024, as proof of SIPSB’s commitment to digital innovation.
“SIPSB now leads as the first port in Sarawak to operate a smart barrier system powered by four interconnected technologies within a single ecosystem,” he added.
The core technologies include:
- OCR for automatic container number recognition
- AIR to verify cargo details accurately
- LPR for swift access of registered vehicles
- RFID for enhanced security and user authentication
All technologies operate simultaneously, providing a seamless, safe, and intelligent port experience.
The launch event also featured an operational briefing and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dato Majang, officially inaugurating the system.
With this implementation, SIPSB is expected to drive Sarawak’s logistics and maritime sector forward, reinforcing the state’s role in the growing regional digital economy.
