Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Malaysia’s leading provider of airline ground handling services, in partnership with Teleport, Southeast Asia’s integrated eCommerce logistics specialist, officially launched a new air cargo terminal in Sandakan. The new facility aims to strengthen cross-border trade capabilities and enhance import-export throughput in Sabah, supporting the state’s economic growth initiatives.
The launch ceremony was officiated by YB Puan Vivian Wong, Member of Parliament for Sandakan, marking a significant development in the region’s air cargo infrastructure.
The Sandakan Air Cargo Terminal is equipped with advanced cargo handling systems designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This facility represents the first step in a joint expansion strategy between GTR and Teleport, with plans to develop additional cargo terminals in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau airports to fully realize the capabilities and opportunities that Sabah has to offer.
Mr. Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of GTR, outlined the company’s vision: “Today’s launch represents the first step in GTR’s comprehensive expansion strategy across Sabah. Beginning with Sandakan, and soon to be followed by facilities in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, we are committed to developing efficient and practical cargo infrastructure throughout the region. Working with airlines and logistics solution providers, we believe that the logistics ecosystem serves as the backbone of economic development. By investing in this facility and the planned network across Sabah, we aim to remove trade barriers and create new opportunities for businesses of all sizes.”
GTR has confirmed that as demand for air cargo services in Sandakan increases, the company is prepared to promptly expand the terminal size to meet growing needs. The facility will incorporate sustainability features, energy-efficient systems, and processes that reduce environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency.
YB Puan Vivian Wong emphasized the economic importance of this development: “This facility will enhance our logistics capabilities and open new opportunities for local businesses to connect with markets across Malaysia and beyond. It represents a vital investment in Sandakan’s cross-border trade infrastructure that will create jobs and stimulate economic growth, particularly supporting our expanding electric vehicle industry at POIC and enhancing our agricultural export capabilities.”
Pete Chareonwongsak, Chief Executive Officer of Teleport, added: “Sabah is a very important hub for Teleport, as it represents our second best performing air cargo hub in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur, in terms of combined import-export throughput. We want to move eCommerce everywhere – beyond capital cities. Therefore, investing in this facility in Sandakan is our commitment to ensure that eCommerce businesses of all sizes, especially businesses in Sandakan, have access to affordable and reliable cross-border delivery, as fast as next-day. Teleport’s 40+ partner airlines will also benefit from this facility.”
Key to the success of Teleport’s growth plan to move 2 million parcels by end 2025, is in strategically enhancing its ground handling and processing infrastructure, to be able to support the anticipated volume. Teleport’s partnership with GTR leverages on both parties’ strength and experience in the region.
This new cargo terminal is designed to support increased trade flows between Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia, and international markets, with a focus on developing Sabah as a key logistics hub in the region.
