Sarawak To Boost Port Efficiency Through Integrated Management

KUCHING, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Sarawak plans to place the regulatory functions of all its ports under the Sarawak Ports Authority to improve coordination, enhance logistics efficiency and boost trade competitiveness, the state legislative assembly was told today.

Sarawak Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Majang Renggi said the move was aimed at better aligning Bintulu Port’s development with that of other ports in the state to optimise their respective roles.

He said port clustering based on geographical advantages and industrial strengths was also being planned to avoid overlapping functions.

“Restructuring tariff systems, upgrading port infrastructure and facilities, and corporatising port management are among the measures identified to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability,” he said during the question-and-answer session.

He was responding to a question from Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) on the Sarawak government’s plans following its full takeover of Bintulu Port’s management and operations from the Federal Government.

Majang said the takeover would enable Sarawak to steer Bintulu Port’s development in line with the state’s economic interests, given its role as a key trade gateway and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub.

He added that the move reflected the state government’s commitment to ensuring that strategic assets were managed in line with Sarawak’s economic interests and its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Majang said Bintulu Port would be further strengthened through improvements in operational efficiency, infrastructure development and digital systems.

--BERNAMA