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Lahad Datu, in Sabah which is set to become a
major hub for the distribution under the Palm
Oil Industry Cluster initiative, could get a
helping hand from Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s
largest vegetable oil bulking centre.
Disclosing this The Netherlands Ambassador to
Malaysia, Lody Embrechts said his country was
keen to extend its support and cooperation to
boost the prospects of Lahad Datu becoming a
major distribution centre for palm oil.
He said delegation from the Port of Rotterdam
had visited Lahad Datu port, operated and
managed by Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd to fund out more
details on the POIC development initiatives.
“We are happy with the development earmarked for
Lahad Datu and now with the launching of the
Sabah Development Corridor gives it a further
boost for the development of Lahat Datu POIC,”
Lody added.
“We had a couple of discussion on the issue of
developing the POIC logistics and facilities via
upgrading the Lahad Datu Port and eventually
becoming the "Rotterdam of the East" he said.
He said the trade volume between Sabah and Port
of Rotterdam was set to expand as Port of
Rotterdam has two refineries for palm oil.
“We will be sharing our knowledge in the
infrastructure development. In our future
discussions we would bring Sabah into the
network in the provision of logistics,” said
Lody.
Meanwhile, Sabah Port Sdn Bhd has allocated
RM142 million for the development of oil jetties
on the East Coast of Sabah to support the
downstream and upstream of palm oil activities.
The Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC)
initiatives will contribute towards the growth
of Lahat Datu Port and increase in handling of
palm oil products through the port facilities. |
