KUCHING (May 13): The Sarawak government is continuing to strengthen connectivity networks and improve infrastructure to address logistical challenges, which are among the main factors contributing to the rising cost of essential goods in the state, said Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.

The Deputy Transport Minister said these efforts include the development of roads and bridges, improvements to port facilities and operational efficiency, enhanced river access, as well as the upgrading of rural transportation networks.

“These initiatives are aimed at ensuring goods can be transported more efficiently, supply chains can operate more smoothly, and essential items can reach communities at a more affordable cost,” he said at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.

He was responding to a question from Wilfred Yap Yau Sin (GPS-Kota Sentosa) who had enquired on the targeted measures that are in place to address high logistics and transportation costs in Sarawak, which have resulted in Sarawakians paying more for basic goods compared to those in Peninsular Malaysia.

Henry explained that in the context of transportation in Sarawak, the state’s vast geographical size and unique terrain require logistics processes to rely on road, air, sea and river transport.

“As such, the cost of essential goods in Sarawak is often higher due to long travel distances, challenging terrain, river crossings, scattered rural settlements, as well as constraints in certain areas such as ports and shallow river routes.

“These factors can limit vessel movement, delay delivery schedules and increase overall operational costs,” he said.

Credits: Marilyn Ten, The Borneo Post 2026