KOTA KINABALU: Sabah launched its first dedicated air cargo terminal in Sandakan today, a key step in strengthening the state's cross-border trade and expanding logistics capacity in the region.
Developed by Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR) in partnership with Teleport, the terminal was officiated by Sandakan MP Vivian Wong during a ceremony on Wednesday (April 23). It marks the beginning of a broader plan to improve air cargo infrastructure across the state.
Wong described the launch as a "turning point" for Sandakan and the surrounding region, which includes Libaran, Kinabatangan, Beluran, Batu Sapi, and Lahad Datu – the five parliamentary constituencies in Sabah’s Zone 5.
“This is the first dedicated air cargo terminal in Sabah, and GTR has chosen Sandakan as the starting point. Although it began operations on April 1, it’s now officially ready to serve the whole zone, not just Sandakan alone,” she said.
“GTR’s presence here will boost cargo services, especially with the rapid growth of eCommerce businesses. With Kota Kinabalu’s system already congested, Sandakan is ready to take on more,” Wong added.
She said the facility was already handling four tonnes of cargo and could serve up to 6–8 tonnes at full capacity, adding that this would strengthen exports such as seafood and support upcoming industries like electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing near the POIC Sandakan.
“This is more than business—it’s a service to the people. It will create jobs and stimulate the local economy, especially as more investors are starting to turn their eyes toward Sandakan,” she said.
GTR CEO Musdalifa Abdullah said the terminal is part of a comprehensive logistics solution involving multiple partners, including Teleport and freight forwarders, aimed at strengthening connectivity across Sabah.
“One of the most important things we aim to achieve is a complete logistics ecosystem,” he said.
“We are also committed to upskilling the local workforce. These might seem like simple jobs, but they are vital—ensuring the safety of aircraft, cargo, and ultimately, passengers.”
He said cargo terminals in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau will follow, complementing the Sandakan facility and enhancing trade across Sabah and beyond.
Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak added that Sabah is Teleport’s second-best performing air cargo hub in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur.
“We want to move eCommerce everywhere – beyond capital cities,” he said. “This terminal ensures next-day cross-border delivery for businesses in Sandakan and supports our plan to move two million parcels by end-2025.”
Teleport is a logistics venture of Capital A, operating a vast regional network that leverages AirAsia and over 40 partner airlines to reach more than 160 destinations across Asia Pacific.
