State to consolidate, modernise ports under Sarawak Ports Authority by 2026

KUCHING (Dec 3): The terms of reference (TOR) for the Sarawak Ports Master Plan are being finalised, with the study expected to be completed in 2027, said Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

The State Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said the plan aims to strategically position the state as the principal gateway to Borneo, and a competitive regional logistics hub.

“Over 80 per cent of global trade is transported via sea routes, and ports are vital nodes in the supply chain and play a crucial role in Sarawak’s economic future.

“To support this, we are fundamentally restructuring port governance. We are on track to operationalise the Sarawak Ports Authority by the end of the second quarter of 2026,” he said when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech.

The Deputy Premier said the Sarawak Ports Authority will serve as a single regulatory body for all state ports, replacing the existing individual authorities in Kuching, Rajang, Miri and Bintulu once formally handed over to Sarawak from the federal government.

“This consolidation, together with the corporatisation of existing port entities into wholly state-owned companies, will streamline policymaking and regulation, and harmonise development efforts,” he said.

On modernisation and efficiency initiatives, he said the state government is pressing ahead with strategic upgrades to enhance the immediate competitiveness of its existing port facilities.

“At Kuching Port, operational efficiency has improved with enhanced yard capacity, including a new vehicle yard, with further expansion planned in 2026. A 250-metre wharf extension and the associated yard are scheduled for delivery in 2027.

“Digitalisation initiatives have also been introduced, such as the Electronic Convoy Note, which has reduced container delivery times at the gate. The Malaysia Maritime Single Window is now fully operational, enabling faster vessel clearance,” he said.

In Miri, he noted that construction of the training bund and associated works at Kuala Baram was progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of next year, three months ahead of schedule.

“This will facilitate the relocation of cargo handling activities from Sungai Miri to the Kuala Baram Terminal.

“We are simultaneously working to establish a free zone in Kuala Baram to consolidate cargo operations and support the development of new oil and gas facilities,” he said.