MIRI: The Kuala Baram Delta Miri Access Channel Dredging and Deepening Project is currently at 5 percent and is expected to be completed ahead of schedule, by the end of 2026 compared to the original completion date of March 2027.

Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the RM208.9 million project involves dredging and construction of two dikes six kilometres long with a depth of over 25 metres.

It aims to make Kuala Baram a strategic location for the development of a deep-sea port in the future, he added.

"The project is progressing smoothly and is now at 5 percent. Joint venture contractors (JV), Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd (RPSB) and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd (CCC), are currently actively carrying out dredging and dike construction works to ensure faster and more effective water flow," he explained.

He said this when met by reporters after conducting a working visit to the site of the Kuala Baram-Miri Delta Access Channel Dredging and Deepening Project on Friday.

He also stressed the importance of improving navigation safety in the area, especially in the Tanjong Lobang and Kuala Baram Lighthouse areas.

He said that the Tanjong Lobang Lighthouse needed immediate repairs to continue to function properly and comply with international navigation standards, while the lighthouse in Kuala Baram also needed to have its navigation system upgraded along the Kuala Baram Delta access channel, with discussions with Miri Port to be held on the matter.

The Senadin Assemblyman also explained that the waters offshore Miri were among the busiest shipping lanes in Sarawak, including for oil and gas operations.

Therefore, he stressed that improving the navigation system was important to ensure the safety of ships entering Miri Port as well as those operating in offshore waters.

"With the planned upgrade of Miri Port to a deep-sea port, this is the right time to assess the need for navigation system upgrades, as well as the importance of complying with the International Association of Maritime Aids to Navigation and Lighthouses (IALA) standards and ensuring that Aids to Navigation (ATONs) meet global safety requirements over time," he added. -UKASnews