LABUAN, SABAH, MALAYSIA January 10, 2026 – The Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS) successfully collected revenue exceeding RM40 million throughout 2025, marking an increase from the more than RM39 million recorded in the previous year.
This achievement was announced by Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, following his visit to JPDS Labuan yesterday.
He said JPDS has been placed under his ministry following the realignment of the state transport portfolio, and the department plays a vital role as the regulatory body for water traffic and the development of public jetty facilities, thereby contributing significantly to the Sabah State Government’s revenue.
“JPDS is responsible for regulating water traffic in port limits, harbours, rivers, coastal areas and tidal zones. The department also provides and maintains facilities such as Government Wharves, Public Jetties, Barter Trade Jetties and Passenger Landing Terminals,” he explained.
During the visit, Ewon and the delegation from the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) received a briefing from JPDS Director Maswandie Maimon on the department’s roles, current developments and plans across Sabah.
Ewon expressed appreciation for existing initiatives and JPDS’s development plans to ensure the best services are delivered to customers and stakeholders.
RMK-13 Projects Worth RM4.75 Million in 2026
Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), JPDS is scheduled to implement 23 projects in 2026 with an approved allocation of RM4.75 million.
Key projects include:
– Construction of navigation aids such as beacons and buoys
– Construction of floating jetties for small vessels
– Construction of pilot boats
– Strengthening enforcement through tugboats, patrol vessels and training
– Construction of vessel traffic monitoring system towers and radar
– Construction of ferry terminals and barter trade jetty facilities
– Construction of the JPDS Headquarters Complex in Kimanis
– Reconstruction of JPDS staff quarters in Kota Kinabalu
Visits to Sabah Entrepreneurs
During the same visit, Ewon toured two local businesses in Labuan.
First, Pandikar Food, which produces crispy sambal based on prawns and fish. The entrepreneur from Tuaran has successfully penetrated the Brunei market. Ewon wished the entrepreneur continued success and hoped the achievement would inspire other entrepreneurs.
Second, the QCC Baked outlet, which started at the SEDCO Complex and previously received assistance under the Sabah Entrepreneur Transformation Programme. The business has now expanded into a franchise with eight outlets in Sabah, two in Labuan and five in Peninsular Malaysia.
He expressed pride in the progress of Sabah entrepreneurs and hoped their success would continue and motivate more local entrepreneurs.
Also present during the visit were Assistant Minister Jonnybone J. Kurum, Permanent Secretary of MINDET Datuk Thomas Logijin, CEO of POIC Sabah Datuk Fredian Gan, Director of the Sabah Industrial Development and Research Department (DIDR) Siti Nur’Ain Abdullah, and MINDET officers.
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