Bintulu Port transfer marks key achievement under unity govt, says Miri MP

MIRI (July 19): Putrajaya and Sarawak have persistently collaborated to resolve many outstanding issues, returning to the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (AM63).

According to Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s efforts in transferring Bintulu Port to the state with the passing of two bills by the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday demonstrates the Madani government’s commitment to MA63.

Chiew, in his debate, supported 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.

“The change in government policy to transfer the status of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port is one of the most important achievements under this administration.

“This decision has clearly proved the commitment of the unity government under the leadership of the Prime Minister in fulfilling MA63,” he said recently.

However, Chiew questioned whether during this transition the rights and welfare of the existing staff are affected as a majority of Bintulu Port’s staff members are Sarawakians.

“There is also concern as to whether all the salaries, allowances, and benefits enjoyed by the staff at the existing Bintulu Port will be maintained and continued after the status of the port is transferred to a state port,” he said.