KUCHING: Miri Port Authority (MPA) expects the provision of a deeper access channel to Miri Port to lead to several positive outcomes, such as an increase of land utilisation in Kuala Baram.
Its chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang said the other positive outcome would be the ability to divert commercial shipping from Miri River thereby relieving the city of traffic congestion.
“It would also improve the image and competitiveness of Miri Port with the abolition of shipping surcharge with vessels calling directly at the port terminal,” he said during the contract signing ceremony for the project between MPA, Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd (CCCC) here on Tuesday (June 18).
He added that the port authority therefore considers the dredging project in the Batang Baram Delta as a crucial one.
“This will improve our current capacity and capability to play a lead role as a catalyst for economic activities in Kuala Baram and Miri.
“The project shall bring about tremendous growth to various economic activities in Miri, particularly wood-based, oil and gas and other sectors such as tourism, thereby providing employment opportunities to the local,” he said.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and representatives from all related parties.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting and Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Datuk Rosey Yunus.
