KUCHING: The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation will study the potential of Tanjung Po as a seaport to cater for ocean liners.
According to its Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, the location of Tanjung Po makes it strategic for a seaport.
“Tanjong Po is interesting because of its natural depth of 10 metres before trenching, and because its location is near Kuching, it has the potential not only in terms of industry, but also in tourism as it is situated not far from the Bako National Park.
“Due to this, we are aware of the need for us to have a very good green-based port of approach, for example, very little damage will be done to the surrounding environment,” said Masing, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, at a press conference after visiting Tanjung Po, at the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) base in Muara Tebas, yesterday.
He said Tanjung Po, which is about 500 hectares in size, was located in an area outside of Bako National Park, and therefore, had the potential to become a seaport which would not acquire trenching every now and then.
“It is quite near to major shipping lanes, unlike Bintulu or Miri. This one is just next door to Kuching,” said Masing.
He pointed out that they would try to convince the government to at least approve the feasibility study on Tanjung Po as a seaport.
“I can see the potential and I am very keen for the government to have a look at it. The estimate cost will be at least RM10 million for the feasibility study, and then the construction will come in later,” he said.
Also present were Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation Haji Safri Zainuddin, Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB) group managing director Dato’ Richard Curtis and consultant engineer Hii Yuh Tung.
