‘Bintulu Port’s transition from federal to Sarawak jurisdiction provides clear framework for next 30 years’

BINTULU (Sept 22): The formal return of Bintulu Port to Sarawak after 48 years under federal jurisdiction marks a defining milestone for Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), said Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

The State Secretary and BPHB chairman said the transition, which took effect on Sept 1, 2026, had also provided Bintulu Port with a clear operating framework for the next three decades.

“Several long-standing structural matters affecting the future of Bintulu Port have just reached their formal conclusion,” he said during BPHB’s appreciation dinner here on Monday.

Mohamad Abu Bakar said the landmark transition was formalised through a Completion Agreement executed between the federal government and the Sarawak government, alongside a separate Tripartite Agreement involving Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (BPSB).

“It was officially enacted via the Sarawak Government Gazette Notification Swk. L.N. 261, published on 10th September 2026 under the Port Authorities Ordinance 1961 which confirms the appointment of Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (a wholly owned subsidiary of BPHB) as the approved port operator for Bintulu Port,” he said.

He added the appointment was approved by the Sarawak Cabinet on May 7, 2026, signed by Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, and took effect from Sept 1 for a 30-year period ending Aug 31, 2056.

The official handover of Bintulu Port was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 16.

“Under the current arrangement, BPSB will continue operating, managing and developing Bintulu Port under the Heads of Agreement between the Sarawak government, Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak), and BPSB, pending execution of the Port Operation Concession Agreement,” he explained.

He said the milestone marked a significant point in the company’s history as BPHB also bid farewell to former president and group chief executive officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani and welcomed successor Anuar Ismail.

Mohamad Abu Bakar said Ruslan delivered real progress on several fronts including facial recognition and autogate systems, drone-based port security, and BookAjak, an in-house ride-hailing application.

He said BPHB’s digitalisation efforts had received the Outstanding Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Leadership Award.

On operations, Mohamad Abu Bakar said BPHB launched its regional Halal Hub in July in collaboration with the Sarawak Halal Industry Development Council, opening new avenues for trade diversification.

He said Biport Bulkers continued to handle up to four million tonnes annually, representing about 25 per cent of Sarawak’s total exports.

“The group’s operational performance had also contributed to strong financial returns, including a dividend distribution of RM802,314,306.50 to the State Financial Secretary Sarawak and Equisar Assets Sdn Bhd,” he said.

When welcoming Anuar, who officially assumed his duties as president and GCEO on Aug 17, Mohamad Abu Bakar said Anuar is committed to steering BPHB’s Halatuju Roadmap and shared the group’s vision of transforming Bintulu Port into a smart, agile, and green port by 2030.

“With the organisation’s operating mandate for the next three decades now formally secured, our board has full confidence in his ability to lead Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad through this new chapter,” he said.
“With a clear and secure operating framework now in place through to 2056, Bintulu Port is exceptionally well positioned for continued growth,” he added.