Tanjung Embang port could recoup half of its development cost

KUCHING : At least 50 per cent of the cost of developing the Tanjung Embang deep-sea port could be recovered through land formed by siltation, with the recovery expected within 10 to 15 years.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the potential recovery would depend on the volume of sediment deposited at the site.

“Within 10 to 15 years, depending on how the volume of deposit is being silted there. But at least you can recover 50 per cent of the cost,” he said at the Sarawak Business Federation’s 10th Anniversary and Fund Raising Dinner at the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) Complex here on Saturday night (Oct. 17).

He said the Tanjung Embang deep-sea port, located about eight kilometres offshore, was part of the state’s strategy to address the increasing siltation at the mouth of the Sarawak River.

Abang Johari said sediment from the Samarahan, Sadong and Batang Lupar rivers was being deposited at the mouth of the Sarawak River, causing it to become increasingly shallow.

He said maintaining the river channel required dredging every three years, costing between RM300 million and RM400 million each time.

“So when you study the economic analysis, cost and benefit, it’s better for us to have a port right in the sea,” he said.

Abang Johari said the offshore location would also allow deposits from the rivers to form new land around the port.

“At the same time, when you have that being built, then the deposit from this river will form a new land along there,” he said.

He said the resulting land would provide an economic benefit that could help offset part of the port’s development cost.

Abang Johari said the project would also provide a modern deep-sea port capable of handling general cargo, as well as gas and low carbon activities.

“And you have a very good deep-sea port, modern for general cargo, as well as for gas and low carbon,” he said.

He said the port would strengthen Sarawak’s logistics capabilities and support trade with neighbouring countries and export markets.

“That will enhance our logistics for our trade with our neighbours. Also for the export market,” he said.