KUCHING: The Bintulu Port is now a Sarawak state port following the maiden tabling and passing of the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024 at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. 

These bills aimed to repeal the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and dissolve the Bintulu Port Authority.

In response to this significant development, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed his congratulations to the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg, noting that his goal of making the port a state port has now been realised.

“This is a historic event and a cause for celebration. With this momentous achievement, all ports in the state now belong to us. 

“On this occasion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his earlier consent in handing over the Bintulu Port to us. Our thanks also go to Transport Minister Anthony Loke for facilitating the passing of the bill in a speedy manner. 

“We would also like to thank all honourable members who have graciously supported it,” said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah in a statement today. 

The Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development added that there is still much to be done to facilitate the transfer of assets and management of the former Bintulu Port. 

“Prior to the bill being tabled, we, at both state and federal levels, established a joint committee known as the Special Committee (Jawatankuasa Khas) to oversee and facilitate the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the smooth transfer of the port, including its assets and management. This move is also to ensure that Bintulu Port operations are not affected or disrupted by the process of the change in status,” he said.

The committee is co-chaired by the Minister of Transport Malaysia and the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, along with other appointed members. 

“On our side, we have also formed the Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) through the Port Authority Ordinance 1961. I am very confident with the collaboration, support, and experience of all concerned, we will take over the port by the end of the year,” Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said. -UKASnews