With repeal of Bintulu Port Authority Act, Uggah says all ports in S’wak now under state

KUCHING (July 18): All ports across Sarawak now belong to the state government following the handing over of Bintulu Port, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

The Infrastructure and Port Development Minister said this when congratulating Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his commitment in ensuring Bintulu Port becomes a state port.

“Bintulu Port is now a Sarawak state port following the tabling and the passing of the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024, aimed at repealing the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and dissolving the Bintulu Port Authority at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

“This is a most historic event and a cause for celebration. With this most momentous achievement, all ports in the state now belong to us,” he said in a statement today.

Uggah thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his consent in handing over Bintulu Port to Sarawak.

He also thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke for facilitating the passing of the Bill in a speedy manner, as well as all honourable members who graciously supported it.

Uggah added there is still much to be done to facilitate the transfer of assets and the management of the former Bintulu Port.

“Prior to the Bill being tabled, we, at both state and federal levels, have established a joint committee known as the ‘Special Committee’ to oversee and facilitate the execution of the MoU for the smooth transfer of the port including its assets and management.

“This move is also to ensure the Bintulu Port’s operations would not be affected or disrupted by the process in the change of status,” he said.

The committee is co-chaired by the federal Transport Minister and Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and involves other appointed members.

“This Special Committee will be responsible for monitoring and facilitating the implementation of this MoU. It will be assisted by the Working Committee to be co-chaired by Secretary General for Ministry of Transport Malaysia and Sarawak State Secretary, and comprising members.

“Also assisted by the Technical Committee, to be co-chaired by the Secretary of the Maritime Division of Ministry of Transport Malaysia and Sarawak State Financial Secretary, and comprising others appointed,” Uggah said.

He added participants may mutually agree to invite additional parties or individuals to participate in any meetings or engagements of the Special Committee and provide their opinions on matters relating to the change of status of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port.

“On our side, we too have formed the Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) through the Port Authority Ordinance 1961. I am very confident with the collaboration, support, and experience of all concerned, we will take over the port by the end of the year,” added Uggah.