RM1.8 bln valuation reflects Bintulu Port assets, says ministry permanent secretary

KUCHING (Feb 6): The RM1.8 billion valuation for the impending transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government represents the combined value of port assets, determined through detailed valuations and negotiations, said the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau.

In a statement today, he stressed that the amount was not an arbitrary figure.

“The valuation was agreed amicably through constructive engagement between the federal and the Sarawak government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Premier of Sarawak.

“This reflects the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual respect underpinning federal–state relations,” he said.

According to Chiew, the statement was issued in response to allegations and what he described as distortions of facts following Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s announcement on Wednesday that the federal and Sarawak state governments had, in principle, agreed on a value of RM1.8 billion for the state’s acquisition of Bintulu Port.

Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) on Thursday urged the Sarawak government to reject the RM1.8 billion payment demanded by the federal government, saying there is no justification for the state to pay.

Chiew explained that historically, the land allocated for Bintulu Port was alienated to the federal government, with land premiums paid to the Sarawak government.

He added that key infrastructure, including the LNG and Oil Terminals, was constructed at the Bintulu Port Authority’s cost.

“The return of Bintulu Port is a foundational step towards a central port authority framework in Sarawak, enabling more coordinated and efficient port development, and strengthening Sarawak’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub.

“This move is fully aligned with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which prioritises modern, integrated infrastructure to drive economic diversification, sustainable growth, and enhanced connectivity, benefiting both Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

He added that MIPD remains committed to responsible stewardship of Sarawak’s ports and continued collaboration with all stakeholders to advance shared prosperity.