KOTA KINABALU, May 10 -- Several of Sabah's leading trade and maritime associations have voiced strong support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor's proposal to revive barter trade along the state's eastern maritime borders and northern Kudat region.

In a joint statement, the Sabah Shipping Agents Association (SSAA), Sabah Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (SABFFLA), ASEAN-China Commerce Association (ACCA) and Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) described the move as a strategic initiative aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap and the state's Blue Economy agenda.

While expressing support for reviving such activities through the Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu hubs, SABFFLA said that...