LABUAN, 21 April 2026 – Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation, Datuk Ewon Benedick is confident that revenue collection by the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS) will continue to rise in the future.
He said the achievement of collecting over RM40 million in 2025 proves the high capability and commitment of the department’s staff in carrying out their responsibilities.
“I extend my highest appreciation to the director and all JPDS staff for their outstanding performance that helped the Sabah State Government achieve revenue collection of RM40,763,969.76 last year,” he said.
Ewon, who has been at the ministry for approximately five months, stated that he consistently sees the high level of commitment from JPDS, its director and officers during every discussion at the ministry.
“I am very confident that the collection can be further increased. Of course, the ministry has the responsibility to ensure that roles are properly channelled, so that not only does revenue increase, but the motivation of JPDS staff is also strengthened,” he said.
He made the remarks while officiating the JPDS 2025 Appreciation and Gratitude Ceremony here yesterday.
According to Ewon, the achievement not only reflects the department’s efficiency and dedication in state revenue collection, but also proves JPDS’s important role as a significant contributor to Sabah’s economy, particularly in the maritime sector.
“This is the spirit of Sabah First, which places the importance of state development, local economic strength and the well-being of the people as the priority in every action and decision,” he stressed.
He added that the success was also the result of the spirit of cooperation and a culture of integrity that forms the core strength of JPDS.
Ewon also praised JPDS’s digitalisation efforts through the E-JPDS application, describing it as a forward step in improving the efficiency of public service delivery.
“I hope JPDS will continue to be proactive in exploring new innovations, expanding the use of digital technology and enhancing the capacity of its workforce in line with current developments,” he said.
Regarding the appreciation ceremony, Ewon said it serves as an important platform to recognise the contributions of civil servants.
“Congratulations to the three recipients of the Director’s Special Award and the 23 recipients of the Excellent Service Award (APC) for 2025. It is hoped that this recognition will serve as a catalyst to boost the spirit of all JPDS staff,” he said.
He also emphasised that the success of any department does not depend on individuals alone, but requires close cooperation from the entire team to achieve collective excellence.
Also present at the ceremony were Assistant Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Datuk Jonnybone Kurum; the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Thomas Logijin; Deputy Permanent Secretary of MINDET, Moira David; and JPDS Director, Maswandie Maimoon.
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