KUCHING: The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last month to change the status of Bintulu Port from a federal to a state port marks another success in reclaiming Sarawak’s rights, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He announced that the port is expected to be handed over to Sarawak this year, after being under federal government management for 43 years.
“This is another achievement in reclaiming Sarawak’s rights, which have been eroded because ports fall within Sarawak’s jurisdiction under the Federal Constitution,” he stated in his Hari Raya message delivered in Kuching yesterday.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of considering port development as a crucial element in transforming Sarawak’s economy.
Merely relying on the abundance of energy resources is insufficient to attract investors without the necessary infrastructure, particularly ports.
Abang Johari highlighted that port development has been overlooked in the past but should not be underestimated.
“With Sarawak’s strategic location as a trading economy in the Asian region, it holds a promising future in building a world-class port-based economy,” he added.
Abang Johari also announced that the ports in Sarawak will be managed by a central port authority to be established by the Sarawak government.
He believes that developing ports according to a comprehensive master plan covering the entire state and possibly extending to the entirety of Borneo Island, will strengthen Sarawak’s economy and position it as a leading economy in the region.
In his message, the Premier also expressed his hope that all Sarawakians will continue to work towards strengthening unity among their diverse religions, ethnicities, and cultures in the beloved Land of the Hornbills.
“Let us work together towards the unity of our multicultural society and avoid actions that may lead to division.
“Let us not be swayed by the behaviours of communities elsewhere that tend to focus on differences rather than unity, especially regarding issues related to religion and ethnicity almost every day.
“Lastly, on behalf of myself and Puan Sri (Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang), I wish you a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin, and may we all attain prosperity and be blessed with good health,” he said.
Abang Johari and his wife will be hosting an open house at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching on the first and second days of Hari Raya.
The public is welcome to attend the open house from 10.30 am to 3 pm on the first day and from 10 am to 2 pm on the second day.
