Four key priorities to transform Bintulu Port

THE Sarawak government will focus on four key priorities to transform Bintulu Port, ensure smooth supply chain operations and strengthen confidence among investors and maritime industry players.

Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Majang Renggi said the Bintulu Port Authority will closely monitor all critical aspects of port operations to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

He said these include operational efficiency, cargo capacity, service standards and vessel turnaround times.

“To drive this transformation, the government will focus on four key priorities, including optimising existing facilities and expanding capacity to meet market demands.

“We will also improve and modernise work processes to reduce bureaucracy, enhance time and cost efficiency in the logistics chain, and conduct regular engagement sessions with importers, exporters, shipping companies and transport agencies.

“The fourth priority involves aligning Bintulu Port’s development with the Sarawak Ports Master Plan to support sustainable economic growth,” he said in response to Christopher Gira (GPS-Tamin) during question-and-answer session on Tuesday (Oct 13).

He said Sarawak’s full takeover of Bintulu Port from the federal government is a strategic move to strengthen integrated planning, coordination and development of the state’s port sector and logistics network.

He added that the move also reflects the state government’s commitment to managing strategic assets in line with Sarawak’s economic interests and sovereign rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

“As a major trade gateway and the country’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub, Bintulu Port, now under state jurisdiction, will continue to be strengthened through improved operational efficiency, modern infrastructure and enhanced digital systems.

“Overall, these initiatives are expected to strengthen Sarawak’s port network as an important logistics hub and a key driver of long-term economic growth,” he said.

On integrating Bintulu Port with other ports in Sarawak, Majang said the government will adopt five key measures to create a more coordinated and competitive port network.

These include consolidating all port authorities under a single regulatory body, the Sarawak Ports Authority, and clustering ports according to their geographical advantages and industrial strengths to prevent overlapping functions.

He said port tariff structures will also be reviewed and reorganised to ensure a fairer, more efficient and transparent market environment.

Other measures include upgrading port facilities and infrastructure to meet development and market demands, as well as transforming port management into corporate entities to improve competitiveness and long-term sustainability.