KUCHING: Bintulu Port has officially transitioned to a Sarawak state port following the passing of two pivotal bills in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (July 16), said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
The Deputy Premier said the declaration of an area in the Bintulu district in the Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024, both of which aim to repeal the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and dissolve the Bintulu Port Authority, received overwhelming support.
He congratulated Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Johari Tun Openg for this significant achievement.
“Premier Abang Jo’s committed aim to have the port become a state port has now been realised. This is a most historical event and a cause for celebration. With this momentous achievement, all ports in the state now belong to us,” Uggah said.
Uggah also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for consenting to the handover and to Transport Minister Anthony Loke for facilitating the swift passage of the bill.
Uggah went on to mention that significant work remains to ensure a smooth transfer of assets and management.
“Prior to the bill being tabled, we established a joint committee at both state and federal levels known as the Special Committee to oversee and facilitate the execution of the MoU for the smooth transfer of the port, including its assets and management.
“This move aims to ensure the Bintulu Port operations remain unaffected during the transition,” he explained.
The Special Committee is co-chaired by the Minister of Transport Malaysia and the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, with various other appointed members.
He added it will be supported by the Working Committee, co-chaired by the Secretary General for the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Sarawak State Secretary, and the Technical Committee, co-chaired by the Secretary of the Maritime Division of the Ministry of Transport Malaysia and the Sarawak State Financial Secretary.
“The participants may mutually agree to invite additional parties or individuals to participate in any meetings or engagements of the Special Committee and provide their opinions on matters relating to the change of status of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port.
On the state’s side, the Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) was formed through the Port Authority Ordinance 1961.
“I am very confident that with the collaboration, support, and experience of all concerned, we will take over the port by the end of the year,” he said.
