By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 15: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has dismissed claims that the Sejingkat Bridge would obstruct ships from passing through the area near the existing Pending port, describing the criticism as “bodoh” (foolish).
He said the criticism overlooked Sarawak’s plan to develop a deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang, about 8km offshore, to accommodate larger vessels as the State’s economy and exports continued to grow.
“Some people complain that ships will not be able to pass because of the Pending port. Bodoh! We are building a new port.
“What about the one at Pending? It can only accommodate two ships. Where do you see a port where only two ships can be moored?” he said when speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Southern Zone Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, clarified that the Sejingkat Bridge was intended to connect Kuching with Kampung Tanjung Bako, Kampung Binyok and villages near Asajaya, extending all the way to Tanjung Embang.
He explained that the Tanjung Embang deep-sea port would be located about 8km offshore, where the waters were deeper, as the Muara Tebas estuary was becoming increasingly shallow due to sediment deposits from Sungai Sadong and Sungai Samarahan.
“That is why we want a deeper location, so that bigger ships can come here as our cargo exports increase,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s growing export volumes required additional port capacity not only in Bintulu but also in Kuching. — DayakDaily
