Bintulu Port takeover to boost Sarawak’s commodities trade and export, says Premier

KUCHING (Oct 13): The takeover of Bintulu Port by the Sarawak government serves as the lifeblood for the state’s economy, particularly its commodities trade and export, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He added all of the state’s ports will be placed under a single port authority.

“All ports in Sarawak will come under the jurisdiction of a single port authority, with the goal of integrating the management of existing ports and those in the pipeline,” he said at the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s 78th birthday celebration parade at Padang Merdeka here on Saturday.

Abang Johari said he also expects shipping activities and services in Bintulu Port to increase with the launch of the Borneo Supply Base, which will operate under the Bintulu Port Authority.

“This base is designed to provide services to the petroleum industry in the state, which will significantly impact the overall growth of the state’s economy. This is a historic move after 40 years since the petroleum industry was established in Sarawak waters while the base was centred in Labuan,” he said.

On the upcoming Kuching Deep Water Port at Tanjung Embang, he said it would become a key hub in the region and would provide bunkering services for green fuel as well as serving as a liquefied natural gas terminal.