Malaysia
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Sabah on Borneo.
Services in Kota Kinabalu
- Air freight in Kota KinabaluAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in Kota KinabaluFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in Kota KinabaluImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Kota Kinabalu
- AirportKota Kinabalu
BKI - SeaportSapangar Bay
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the main airport of Sabah and one of the busiest in Malaysia outside Kuala Lumpur, with domestic flights to the peninsula and regional international services. International air cargo often connects via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). Sea freight is handled at Sapangar Bay Container Port, north of the city, which serves Sabah's west coast. Palm oil exports from the east coast of Sabah move through ports such as Sandakan and Lahad Datu.
The Pan Borneo Highway links Kota Kinabalu with Sandakan, Tawau and Sarawak, while a coastal road runs to Sapangar Bay and the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. The Sabah State Railway runs south from Kota Kinabalu but plays no real role in freight. We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Kota Kinabalu area.
Industries in Kota Kinabalu and how we support them
Sabah's economy is driven by palm oil, oil and gas, and tourism. The Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park next to Sapangar Bay hosts manufacturing and processing companies, while the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal at Kimanis supports the offshore energy sector. Hotels and resorts import food, equipment and supplies. Ziem Logistics supports these flows with air freight via BKI and KUL on our own air waybills, Next Flight Out for urgent oil and gas spares, On-Board Couriers for critical items and sea freight via Sapangar Bay. Customs clearance runs through a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
Operational logistics facts for Kota Kinabalu
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) | Domestic and regional air freight | Direct air link between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia |
| Sapangar Bay Container Port | Containers for Sabah's west coast | Sea freight to Port Klang and regional hubs |
| Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park | Manufacturing and processing | Industrial area next to the container port |
| Kimanis oil and gas area | Energy sector supplies | Urgent spares routed via BKI |
Customs clearance in Malaysia
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Malaysia is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Malaysia we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Malaysia need company registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and a customs account.
Frequently asked questions
How do you fly cargo to Kota Kinabalu from Europe or Asia?
Most shipments fly into KUL on our own air waybill and continue to BKI on a domestic flight. Where a direct regional service suits the shipment, we use it. We confirm the routing and cut-off times with every booking.
Can you supply hotels and resorts in Sabah by air?
Yes. We fly equipment, spare parts and supplies to BKI and arrange onward delivery. For food, the importer needs the relevant health and import approvals, which we check before booking.
Does the monsoon season affect shipments to Kota Kinabalu?
The northeast monsoon, roughly from November to February, brings heavy rain and can disrupt flights, port operations and roads. We plan with buffers in this period and inform you early if a shipment is affected.
Who clears customs for goods arriving in Sabah?
A partner team in the Ziem network clears the goods with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. Depending on the routing, clearance takes place in Kota Kinabalu or at the first point of entry, often KUL.
Do Sabah state rules affect imports?
Customs law is federal, but Sabah has its own rules on some matters, including immigration and certain state permits. We check whether a state requirement applies to your goods before they ship.
Can you clear oil and gas equipment imported into Sabah?
Yes. Equipment for the energy sector is classified and declared like other imports, and some projects benefit from exemptions that need supporting documents. We prepare the file with you and our partner team submits it.