Sarawak leads port innovation with first Smart Barrier Gate system at Samalaju Industrial Port
KUCHING, July 17: Sarawak has made history in the logistics and maritime sector as Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) becomes the first port terminal in the State to implement a ‘Smart Barrier Gate’ system powered by advanced technologies, marking a major step forward in port digitalisation.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the system was officially launched by State Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi at Samalaju Industrial Port in Bintulu yesterday (July 16).
He said the system’s implementation represents a significant leap towards positioning Sarawak as a leader in smart ports within the region.
“The integration of technologies such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Artificial Image Recording (AIR), License Plate Recognition (LPR), and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a strategic move to enhance port operational efficiency,” he said.
He added that the system not only strengthens security and accelerates logistics processes, but also minimises human error and bolsters Sarawak’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.
Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad president and chief executive officer (CEO) Ruslan Abdul Gani said the system was developed in just 17 months since Feb 2024, showcasing SIPSB’s commitment to driving digital transformation in port operations.
“SIPSB has achieved a proud milestone as the first port in Sarawak to utilise a smart barrier system based on four core technologies operating simultaneously within a single smart ecosystem,” he said.
He elaborated that the OCR technology enables automatic container number identification, AIR ensures cargo recognition accuracy, LPR speeds up registered vehicle access, while RFID ensures comprehensive user security and authentication.
All these technologies are seamlessly integrated, making port operations more efficient, secure, and user-friendly.
The launch ceremony also included an operational briefing for Majang, followed by a symbolic ribbon-cutting at the automated gate area to mark the official opening.
With this system in place, SIPSB is expected to continue spearheading smart logistics and maritime transport development in Sarawak, further reinforcing the State’s position in the regional digital economy network.