KUCHING: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to facilitate the process of changing Bintulu Port’s status to the Sarawak State Port.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who also the Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, said this aims to ensure the transition can be completed within this year.
Three committees have been established: the Special Committee, co-chaired by Uggah and Transport Minister Anthony Loke, supported by the Working Committee and the Technical Committee. These consist of representatives from both the Sarawak and federal governments to ensure effective implementation.
He said that this setup aims to ensure an effective transition for both parties (federal and state), identify and take appropriate steps according to both parties’ intentions, create a conducive environment for implementing the MoU, and supervise and assist in the negotiation and cooperation process between both parties.
The MoU was signed by Uggah and Loke, representing the federal government, at the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya today (Mar 22), witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Uggah said Sarawak is determined to integrate Bintulu Port’s development plan with the Sarawak Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. This strategy will enhance trade and connectivity with regional and global shipping hubs and expedite port development in Sarawak in alignment with the expansion of the hinterland area.
Currently, Bintulu Port is a federally regulated port under the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981. With the change in status, Bintulu Port will become a state port under state legislation, pursuant to Article 15 in List IIA, Schedule Nine of the Federal Constitution.
He added that the MoU reflects the joint commitment of the federal and Sarawak governments with the establishment of the Federal-State Joint Committee.
“We are confident that this MoU will strengthen commitments and foster cooperation between the state and federal governments in transferring Bintulu Port’s status from a federal to a state port and ensure that the transition can be completed by the end of the year,” he said.
