Federal, Sarawak to ink MoU for Bintulu Port takeover in February

KUCHING: The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the federal and Sarawak governments for the takeover of Bintulu Port is anticipated in February 2024, according to Datuk Majang Renggi.

The Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development stated that the upcoming MoU underscores the commitment of both governments to facilitate the transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government.

“The acquisition of Bintulu Port represents part of our overall strategic plan to develop and consolidate all state ports.

“In Sarawak, six ports act as major cargo-handling transshipment points integral to its supply chain. They are the Bintulu, Kuching, Miri, Samalaju, Rajang, and Tanjung Manis Ports,” he said in a press statement today (Jan 10).

He noted that the Sarawak government’s move to take over Bintulu Port aligns with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision to enable Sarawak to plan its ports’ development, ensuring each port serves a distinct role in promoting business and trade.

“The establishment of Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) under the Port Authorities Ordinance, 1961, and the Repeal of the Bintulu Port Authority Act, 1981, by Parliament aims to facilitate a smooth transition in regulatory functions.

“It has been our priority since it was mentioned by the Premier in January 2023, and my Ministry is committed to facilitating the takeover process effectively.”

Majang added that under the Sarawak government’s administration, Bintulu Port will play a pivotal role and serve as a crucial asset in completing Sarawak’s economic ecosystem, particularly in the Oil and Gas industry and its midstream and downstream activities, edible oil, the proposed supply base, Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), and the production of hydrogen and other biofuels.

“I would like to thank the federal government for the seamless handing over process, and I am delighted with the positive outcome of the Federal-State Joint Committee meeting on Jan 8, 2024.

“With full commitments from both governments, I am confident that Bintulu Port will be handed over to Sarawak as scheduled by June 2024.”