JANUARI 2023
Sarawak Wants Bintulu Port Back: Premier
BINTULU, Mon: The Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg today made known the intention of Sarawak Government to take back Bintulu Port from the Federal Government as part of Sarawak’s overall port development strategies.
He pointed out that the State Government would be in discussion with the Federal Government to discontinue Bintulu Port as a federal Port so that it can be administered and further developed as a State Port in accordance with the strategies drawn up for ports in Sarawak.
The implementation of these development strategies for all ports in Sarawak therefore must include Bintulu Port which should come under the jurisdiction of the State, as a State Port, he further pointed out.
This would enable the State Government to have a masterplan for the development of all ports in Sarawak and to ensure each port plays its own special role in the promotion of trade and businesses and to enhance shipping connectivity with other major global transportation and logistics hubs, he said.
The Premier said these in his speech at a dinner to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Samalaju Industrial Port (SIPSB) held at a leading hotel, here.
Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (BPSB) was granted a concession on 1st January, 1993 for the operation of the port in which the Sarawak Government has 39.7% shares and PETRONAS and MISC Berhad together hold 30.8% shares, totalling 70.5% of BPHB’s issued shares which are listed on the Bursa Malaysia.
The Premier said Sarawak Government wants Bintulu Port to be part of a cluster of State Ports, under a Central Port Authority which would be incorporated by State law.
“This new Central Port Authority will streamline and coordinate the management, operation, planning and development of all ports located in the State.
“This Authority will be able to ensure harmonization of port tariffs and dues for all ports in Sarawak. Bintulu Port’s tariffs have not been revised or increased since 1993 and are lower than those of State Ports, thus diverting traffic from our State Ports.
“This is against the recommendation of the IGC (Inter-Governmental Committee) that there should be no discriminatory port dues and fees amongst the ports in Sarawak that would have the effect of diverting trade and maritime traffic from any of the Ports,” he told the audience at the dinner.
He pointed out the State Government would like to continue working with PETRONAS, as major stakeholders of the Port, to manage, operate the Bintulu Port and undertake the development this Port for the advancement of both Parties’ strategic business interests, the attainment of sustainable development goals, to better serve its hinterland and other stakeholders and ensure its continued growth and success.
“The State Government and PETRONAS have a proven track record of successfully managing and operating Bintulu Port over the years. With the same commitment and good co-operation between the State and PETRONAS, Bintulu Port will have the opportunity of transformation towards becoming a major Port or transportation hub in the Asia Pacific region.
He called on the shareholders, especially PETRONAS, and the Board of Directors, and Management of BPHB to support this key development initiative for the mutual benefits of all parties involved.
Dwelling at length on the formation of Bintulu Port, he said it ought to be noted that, on Malaysia Day, there was no federal port here or anywhere in Sarawak.
“In 1978, Parliament passed the Declaration of An Area in Bintulu District as a Federal Port Act (Act 217).
“This Act was passed without the mandatory request from the State Legislature of Sarawak as required under Article 76(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution.
“With the enactment of Act 217, Bintulu Port was declared a federal port. Parliament then passed the Bintulu Port Authority Act, 1981 to constitute the Bintulu Port Authority (BPA) whose functions were to build, control, administer and regulate Bintulu Port,”
Touching on the 10th anniversary of SIPSB, the Premier expressed gratitude to the company for building, managing and operating the Port primarily to serve the industries at the Samalaju industrial zone.
For the year 2022, SIPSB has reported operating revenues of RM164.6 million and cargo throughput of 6.6 million tonnes.
Fully operational since 2017 the port is projected with the steady growth of heavy industries at Samalaju, the Port would be handling over 10 millions tonnes of cargo by the Year 2030.
The total cost for the development of the Port was RM1.71 billion including dredging of navigational channels and breakwaters.
Accompanying the Premier was his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang.
Among those present was Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah ak. Embas who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Speaker of DUN, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister of Food Industries, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi ak. Utom, Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie ak. Tayai and Minister for Utilities and Telecommunication, Datuk Julaihi Haji Narawi.
Sumber dari : Sarawakku