KUCHING: The Sarawak government is expected to assume full management and oversight of the entire operation of the Bintulu Port by next year, once the process of changing its status to a state port is finalised.
Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke expressed confidence that all processes related to the change of status of the port from a federal port to a state port would be completed within this year.
“Therefore, I believe that by 2025, the entire operations of this port will be handed over and managed by the Sarawak authorities.
“With this transition, we believe Bintulu Port will continue to be a major port, including its role as a leading oil and gas port, not only for Sarawak but also for Malaysia.”
Loke made these remarks in a press conference after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony to change the status of Bintulu Port to a Sarawak port at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya today (Mar 22).
The MoU was signed between Loke and Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Loke further stated that the Sarawak government would continue to develop and expand the port further, given its crucial role in supporting the country’s oil and gas industry, along with other industrial sectors in the state.
Regarding the MoU, he mentioned that it demonstrates the commitment of the federal government, and several more processes need to be implemented to facilitate the change of status of Bintulu Port.
“Firstly, the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 needs to be repealed in Parliament before it can be handed over to the Bintulu Port Authority in Sarawak.
“Secondly, the Bintulu Port Act also extends to Labuan Port. Labuan Port still remains a federal port.
“So, Labuan Port will be removed from the act and included as a federal port under the Port Authority Act under the federal government,” he explained.
Loke added that several other technical matters would also be discussed between the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development.
“For instance, technical matters regarding provision agreements for operators, port personnel, and also some financial elements that need further detailing between the federal and state governments.
“So, we are very confident that all these processes will be completed and finalised within this year as well.”
Among those present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
