KUCHING – Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been recognised as crucial partners in the operations of Bintulu Port, underscoring their role beyond that of contractors.
According to Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani, Chief Executive Officer of Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad, SMEs form the backbone of the port’s ecosystem.
Out of 820 companies registered under the port’s system, 805 are SMEs, representing 98 per cent of its operational partners. This dominance highlights the sector’s importance in sustaining the port’s activities and ensuring efficiency.
Over the past three years, Bintulu Port has awarded contracts valued at approximately RM1.12 billion. Of this, RM531 million was channelled to SMEs, benefiting 503 companies.
Ruslan emphasised that without the involvement of SMEs, the port would not be able to maintain its current level of service and competitiveness.
Speaking at the Sarawak Budget 2026 Conference Forum Programme, Ruslan noted that SMEs provide essential services and support functions that keep the port running smoothly. He described them as strategic partners whose contributions are vital to the port’s long-term growth.
The forum also highlighted the importance of digitalisation in port operations. Ruslan explained that adopting technology is no longer optional but necessary to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and meet rising consumer expectations.
He added that Bintulu Port has already embarked on a comprehensive digital master plan, with more than 40 initiatives currently being implemented.
These projects, developed over the past three years, aim to modernise operations and prepare the port for future challenges.
Bintulu Port’s digital roadmap aligns with Malaysia’s broader push towards modernising its logistics and trade infrastructure.
With maritime trade accounting for nearly 98 percent of the nation’s commerce, ports such as Bintulu play a pivotal role in strengthening Malaysia’s position in global supply chains.
The country’s improved ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index in 2023 reflects these ongoing efforts.
Ruslan’s remarks were supported by other panellists at the forum, including Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, TS Khairulnizam Dato Sri Mohamed Khalid, President of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Vice-Advisor of the Institute of National Trade (INSKEN), and Ir. One Murdani One Mohamad, Vice President of Digital Adoption at the Malaysian Digital Economy Council (MDEC).
Together, they stressed that SMEs are not only integral to port operations but also to Malaysia’s wider economic transformation.
Their participation in digitalisation initiatives is expected to accelerate the nation’s progress towards becoming a more competitive and sustainable economy.
The recognition of SMEs as strategic partners comes at a time when Sarawak has received significant allocations under Budget 2026, aimed at bridging regional disparities and boosting infrastructure development.
This broader investment framework is expected to further strengthen the role of SMEs in driving growth across the state.
As Bintulu Port continues to expand and modernise, the collaboration between SMEs and the port authority is set to remain a cornerstone of Sarawak’s economic development.
