THE Sarawak government will be allocating a sum of RM125 million for port development, navigational safety and other ongoing riverine projects next year.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg listed the projects, namely:
- Vehicle yard and associated facilities at Senari Port;
- Construction and completion of Tanjung Embang Terminal Phase 1;
- Port development and maintenance dredging grants to State Port Authorities;
- Masterplan study for ports;
- Construction of wharves, jetties, river wall and waterfront; and
- Vessel Tracking Management System (VTMS) and Aids to Navigation (ATONS) for Sungai Miri and Kuala Baram.
“We are committed to improving port development to deliver better and more efficient services.
“A significant step forward was the gazettement of the Sarawak Ports Authority Ordinance, 2024, which lays the groundwork for a unified port authority to oversee and streamline operations across all state’s ports.
“This integration is designed to strengthen corporate governance, enforce financial discipline, and boost operational efficiency,” he said when tabling the second reading of the Sarawak Budget ’25 at the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Abang Johari, who is also the Finance and New Economy Minister, said that establishing a centralised governing body will enhance oversight and optimise resource allocation, enabling more strategic investments that will benefit the entire state.
“These reforms are expected to raise service standards, expand economic opportunities, and ensure Sarawak’s ports are equipped to meet the demands of both domestic and international trade,” he said.
He added the state government is also looking into the development of a new deep sea port at Tanjung Embang in collaboration with PETROS to propel Sarawak as a regional maritime and energy hub.
“This port will serve as a gateway for international trade, thereby increasing the state’s capacity for container cargo handling as well as integrating gas terminal facilities for PETROS,” he said.
