MIRI: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is eyeing an even earlier date for the dredging works to deepen the access channel to the Miri Port terminal at Kuala Baram Delta which is scheduled to be completed in March 2027.

He has expressed the hope for it to be done by the end of 2026.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), visited the work site near here yesterday.

He was joined by MIPD Permanent Secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yaw, General Manager of Miri Port Authority, Sarawa Budol, and consultants from the port and the contractor.

The Rimbun Prima Sendirian Berhad (RPSB) and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sendirian Berhad (CCC) joint venture company is undertaking the RM208.9 million works.

Speaking after the visit, he said he had talked to the port and RPSB/ CCC JV company consultants to relook at their work plans in the effort to speed up the construction process.

The dredging work package also includes the construction of two 6km training bunds in deep water of over 25 metres which will allow Kuala Baram to be a strategic and suitable location to develop a deep sea port.

According to Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, the current work progress is at 3.5 per cent ahead of schedule.

"I am satisfied with this as it shows the dredging work is progressing smoothly.

"The contractors had done about 300 metres length of a bund."

The two bunds will allow for effective flushing of the dredged channel.

Currently, the shallow access to the Miri port terminal has resulted in severe navigational safety hazards to ships.

This has contributed to the stifling of the growth of industries operating in the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate and the northern zone of Sarawak in general.

With a deeper access channel, Miri Port will be able to fully use its designated capacity of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargoes annually.

In addition, this will greatly facilitate shipping efficiency which in turn will create many job opportunities. -UKASnews