SARAWAK'S STATE PORTS REGISTER HIGHER 2022 CARGO THROUGHPUT OF 22.95 MLN TONNES

KUCHING, May 24 (Bernama) -- Sarawak’s state ports registered a combined cargo throughput of 22.95 million tonnes last year, an increase of 11.4 per cent as compared to 20.61 million tonnes in 2021, said State Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said Kuching Port led the list by registering 9.87 million tonnes in 2022, followed by Samalaju Port (6.73 million tonnes), Miri Port (3.21 million tonnes), Tanjung Manis Port (1.65 million tonnes) and Rajang Port (1.49 million tonnes). 

“The overall increase in cargo throughput is an indicator that we are on the right path of economic recovery and growth towards becoming a developed region by 2030,” he said when delivering the winding-up speech for his ministry at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today.

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Uggah, who is also Sarawak Deputy Premier, said the five ports would undergo a restructuring exercise so that their administrations and operations could be placed under a new single entity to be known as Sarawak Ports Authority. 

“The Sarawak Ports Authority will be established to regulate, streamline and coordinate the management, operation, planning, and development of all ports to ensure that each port plays its niche role in promoting trade and business,” he said.

On the Sarawak government’s interest in taking over Bintulu Port from the Federal government, Uggah said negotiations between the two parties were still ongoing.

“With the impending reorganisation of the state ports, which would come under a single regulatory authority, Bintulu Port should be one of the clusters of state ports whose future development and growth will be harmonised or streamlined with the other ports in Sarawak,” he added.

-- BERNAMA