BINTULU: The Sarawak government is fully committed to improving accessibility and ensuring the safety of navigation at the ports in the state.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi said under the ministry’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), the Miri Port Authority will be developed into the Northern Gateway to Sarawak by 2030.
“At that time, the number of ships or vessels that came to the Miri Port terminal is expected to increase.
“Therefore, it is important that pilotage services must be provided to provide a safe passage for ships sailing in Miri Port,” he said while speaking at LAB: Pilotage For Miri Port Authority, yesterday.
According to him, so far there has been no pilot district established for Miri Port Authority.
Currently, the Sarawak Marine Department provides pilotage services to the areas of Sungai Sarawak, Batang Lupar, Batang Rajang and Kuala Paloh as stated under the Merchant Shipping (Pilotage) Regulations 1961.
In the meantime, Majang, who is also the Samalaju assemblyman, said this laboratory was the first workshop conducted on pilot services for the Miri Port Authority.
He believes that there will be more engagement sessions as a follow-up to the workshop to further discuss this matter before the papers are prepared to be presented at the State Government Council Meeting (MMKN) scheduled to be held this year.
“Hopefully our efforts are not limited to this laboratory; we should continue to encourage good team spirit among all ports, especially state ports and stakeholders and government agencies to ensure that everyone benefits.”
