KUCHING: The Bintulu Port is poised to play an integral role in the development of green energy industries, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He explained that in accordance with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the state is actively fostering emerging sectors such as hydrogen production.
“(Export) of hydrogen requires specialised terminals and this will certainly be a development that we must carry out in the Bintulu area.
“Meanwhile, from a cargo perspective, it will definitely increase. And I believe that with the port management under the Sarawak government, we can align all our export resources to strategic ports.”
Abang Johari made these remarks during a press conference, addressing queries about the state government’s plans to expand Bintulu Port following its transition to a state-controlled entity.
Earlier, he witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the transformation of Bintulu Port into a Sarawak port at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya today (Mar 22).
Highlighting Bintulu Port’s strategic importance, Abang Johari stressed its critical position in facilitating trade between the western and eastern regions.
“We believe that it will have an impact, not only for Sarawak but also for Malaysia. Because I feel that future development will depend on green energy.
“Furthermore, we focus on green energy and it will allow investors to come for green products. This is in line with developments happening in the world.”
Commenting on the MoU, Abang Johari underscored its alignment with the principles of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“This is our cooperation between the federal government and the Sarawak government because under MA63, ports are under the jurisdiction of the state government.
“We have several ports, only Bintulu Port is under the federal government due to several factors back then when we were developing Bintulu Port, it was related to the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Bintulu.”
In related developments, Abang Johari announced plans to establish a Central Port Authority overseeing all ports in Sarawak, including Kuching, Miri, Tanjung Manis, and Bintulu.
“This centralised management will significantly influence Sarawak’s economic landscape and, by extension, Malaysia’s economy. Given our emphasis on renewable energy under the PCDS 2030, each of these ports will serve as pivotal hubs.”
Expressing optimism, he anticipated the completion of Bintulu Port’s transition to a state-controlled entity by the year’s end.
Presently, Bintulu Port operates as a federally regulated facility under the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981. The upcoming change will see it governed by state legislation pursuant to Article 15 in List IIA, Schedule Nine of the Federal Constitution.
