FEBRUARI 2024
Sarawak To Take Over Bintulu Port And Establish State Bank
SIBU, 13 Feb - Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, revealed plans for significant developments aimed at bolstering the state's economic sovereignty.
"In June 2024, we are going to take over Bintulu Port to Sarawak," declared Premier, highlighting a pivotal move for the state's economic autonomy.
The port, which has been under federal government control for the past 43 years, will now fall under the authority of Sarawak as per the constitution.
"We have negotiated, and the federal government has agreed to give back the port to Sarawak," he added, emphasizing the successful conclusion of talks between the state and federal authorities.
He said this in his speech during Annual Chinese New Year Gathering 2024 organised United Chinese Association Sibu Division Sibu Kingwood Hotel.
Furthermore, Abang Johari revealed plans to establish a unified ports authority in 2024, consolidating all ports under one governing body.
"All the ports will be under one authority, and we will introduce a law to that effect," he stated, underlining the state's commitment to streamlining port operations and management.
Addressing the financial challenges faced by Sarawak, The Premier unveiled plans to establish a state-owned bank.
"Sarawak has had difficulty obtaining loans from peninsular banks, as our local banks were absorbed by larger institutions," he explained.
Negotiations to acquire a significant stake in Affin Bank are nearing completion, with the Premier expressing optimism about Sarawak's imminent ownership of its own bank.
"Maybe in one or two months, we will have our own bank," he projected, withholding details about the bank's structure until the appropriate time.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the state bank, he emphasized its role in bolstering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and fostering economic growth.
"This bank will boost our SMEs, making them very active participants in our expanding economy," he affirmed, outlining the bank's pivotal role in Sarawak's economic development strategy.
Also present were, TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife, Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier's wife Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Prof. Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian and wife, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and other distinguished guests.