New Straits Times (23/06/2026) - KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah and Sarawak's export potential can be better maximised if infrastructure, particularly port capacity, is upgraded to meet international standards, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said both states possess significant natural resources, but logistical limitations currently hinder their ability to attract larger shipping volumes and international trade routes.

"Infrastructure is key. We have many natural resources in Sabah and Sarawak.

"If we do not have ports of international standing, many vessels will not come, and when they do, they will only bring volume if the ports can handle it," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal (Warisan–Semporna).

Johari said upgrading ports would require significant investment to expand capacity and improve facilities.

"For example, in Sabah, if a certain volume of containers arrives, the port cannot handle the quantity. If we do not prioritise port development, it will not be viable," he said.

He said the federal government had given Sarawak autonomy to manage its own port development, with continued support from Putrajaya, while similar discussions could be held with Sabah authorities on expansion plans.

"If the state government in Sabah wants to expand, then it should discuss this with the federal government.

"We can look at how Sabah and Sarawak can benefit the country," he said.

He also stressed the importance of moving beyond raw exports and developing downstream processing industries to increase value-added returns.

"As I want to share, palm oil is a classic example of how we successfully transformed a commodity into a high-value export product."

Johari said Malaysia currently produces about 20 million metric tonnes of palm oil, generating up to RM150 billion in export value through downstream products.

"Twenty to 30 years ago, we only exported crude palm oil. Now it has evolved into high-value products."

Read more at https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/06/1470651/johari-sabah-sarawak-need-upgraded-ports-tap-export-potential