Bintulu Port Authority Act repealed, port transfered to Sarawak control

Fadillah (centre) addressing a press conference in the presence of federal ministers from Sarawak and Sarawak MPs in Putrajaya on July 17, 2024.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 17: Sarawak made history today as the Dewan Rakyat approved the Bill to repeal the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port without amendments.

The Bill aims to transfer the powers, rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Bintulu Port Authority to the Sarawak government. This follows a policy shift to change Bintulu Port’s status from a federal port to a Sarawak port.

Deputy Prime Minister and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chief whip Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof highlighted that this achievement underscored the strong collaboration between the federal and Sarawak governments, in line with the spirit of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He praised the unity government for its support, which led to the Bill’s approval by all Members of Parliament (MPs).

“We are grateful to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the entire cabinet for endorsing Sarawak’s intention to manage all ports in Sarawak, including Bintulu Port.

“This aligns with the provisions of MA63, the Federal Constitution, and the Sarawak Constitution,” he said in a statement today.

Fadillah highlighted that three committees have been established, namely the Technical Committee at the officer level, the Working Committee, and the Special Committee, which will review human resources, assets, and finances before the Bill is gazetted.

“The effective date will be determined by the Minister through a notification in the gazette. The date will be determined after all reviews, discussions, and negotiations between the federal government and the Sarawak government on legislation, port operations, finances, and human resources are approved by both parties. We expect this will be finalised within this year,” he said.

The Bill, tabled by Transport Minister Anthony Loke for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, was approved following debates by MPs from Sri Aman, Saratok, Selangau, Lubok Antu, Batang Lupar, Baram, and Puncak Borneo.

Fadillah also expressed appreciation to Loke and his team at the Malaysia Ministry of Transport, as well as to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Emas, and others involved in the negotiations and policy decisions. — DayakDaily