Premier: Miri Port could evolve into ‘mini Shanghai’ with new reclaimed land for industry

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 25: The Miri Port has the potential to evolve into a “mini Shanghai” as reclaimed land from the ongoing Kuala Baram Delta dredging works is expected to gradually expand industrial and commercial space along the northern coastline.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, when visiting the project site in Miri today, said he observed ongoing works on the wave breaker systems — North Bank and South Bank — which have started reducing wave impact at the Baram mouth and will help stabilise the access channel while preventing siltation.

“What is important here is what you can notice just now: the channel in the North Bank, the waves are far. Meaning there is a beach, an elongated beach, right up to where the waves are.

“This beach will grow through time. There will be some deposit for siltation so the land will grow,” he told reporters during the visit. An audio recording of his remarks was later shared with DayakDaily.

Drawing a comparison with Shanghai, Abang Johari said the Chinese city has a major port stretching along a coastline of about 60 kilometres, supported by extensive development.

“That’s why I mentioned about Shanghai. Shanghai has a port which is about 60 kilometres. But Shanghai is big. So let’s start with ‘mini Shanghai’,” he said.

He added that the reclaimed land could support industrial activities, including shipbuilding and repair facilities, alongside commercial development.

He also highlighted the potential for a structured shipyard facility, noting that current boat-building activities along riverbanks are difficult to monitor and audit effectively.

“At the moment, it’s difficult to audit the shipbuilding in Rajang because it is not structured. In the long run, the new shipbuilding will be structured, so quality and oversight will improve,” he said.

He further noted that Sarawak is already exporting vessels, citing examples of patrol boats delivered to the United Arab Emirates and boats exported to Australia.

He said a structured facility at Miri Port would strengthen Sarawak’s competitiveness in the global marine industry, while also attracting international vessels and boosting economic activity in northern Sarawak.

Touching on the ongoing dredging works, Abang Johari explained that once both the North Bank and South Bank are completed up to five kilometres, the channel depth is expected to reach around five metres.

Further extension to eight kilometres could deepen the channel to about 10 metres, with discussions ongoing to potentially extend it further to 10 kilometres for optimal depth.

“Cruise ships normally require about seven to eight metres of depth. With this sort of wave breakers, the channel will be safe from siltation,” he said.

He added that the wave breaker system will also ensure a clear navigation channel for vessels, while smaller boats can operate closer to the port end.

At the same time, Abang Johari pointed out that the Miri port’s proximity to the oil and gas industry presents further opportunities, including the development of support services.

“Earlier, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reported that we are going to propose the development of oil and gas-based support services catering to production waters in Miri, with an estimated investment of RM30 million.

“This is an investment and we have the means to do it,” he emphasised.

In a media release issued afterwards, the RM208.9 million Kuala Baram Delta dredging project is reported to be progressing ahead of schedule, with overall physical progress reaching about 55 per cent.

The project includes dredging of the access channel to a depth of -5 metres, construction of two 6-kilometre training bunds on both sides of the channel, and upgrading of navigational aids to enhance maritime safety.

It is targeted for full completion by the last quarter of 2026. — DayakDaily

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