RM1.8 bln Bintulu Port handover to Sarawak awaits federal cabinet endorsement

File photo of Bintulu Port. Photo credit: Office of the Premier of Sarawak

By Wilfred Pilo

KOTA SAMARAHAN, May 9: The final agreement for the long-awaited Bintulu Port handover to the Sarawak government has been secured, with only Federal Cabinet endorsement and payment completion remaining before the official transfer is carried out.

Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said the Ministry of Transport (MOT) has finalised all key terms with the Sarawak government, marking a major milestone in the port’s transfer process.

He said outstanding issues involving legality and valuation have already been resolved and previously announced in Parliament, with both the federal and Sarawak governments having agreed on the final cost structure for the handover.

“Now MOT has completed the draft of the final agreement. The final agreement needs endorsement from the Federal Cabinet, and only then will it be officially submitted to the Sarawak government,” he told a press conference after launching BAS.MY’s new routes in Kuching at Summer Mall today.

It is reported early this year, the Sarawak government has finalised the takeover of Bintulu Port from the federal government for RM1.8 billion. This acquisition, negotiated by Sarawak and federal governments, aims to strengthen Sarawak’s economic control over its strategic assets.

Loke added that he is expected to hold a final meeting soon with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas to conclude remaining procedural matters, following the completion of all documentation.

He expressed hope that the matter could be finalised within this year, noting that the process has already taken considerable time.

“The agreement has been pending for some time, and the law amending the Bintulu Port constitution was passed two years ago.

“To enforce the amended provisions and complete the official handover to the Sarawak government, it is subject to the final agreement, including payment that has already been settled. It is now just a final documentation process,” he said.

Loke also confirmed that the relevant documents are currently undergoing review by both the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia and Sarawak before signing. — DayakDaily