By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 18: All ports in Sarawak now belong to the Sarawak government, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah in a statement today said this followed the maiden tabling and the passing of the Declaration of an Area in Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024, aimed at repealing the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 and dissolving Bintulu Port Authority at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday (July 17).
He also congratulated Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his commitment in realising the the matter.
“This is a most historical event and a cause for celebration,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD) said a special committee co-chaired by Federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke and the Deputy Premier of Sarawak has been established to oversee and facilitate Bintulu Port status transfer process.
According to him, the committee will ensure Bintulu Port operation would not be affected or disrupted by the process in the change of status.
“This special committee will be responsible for monitoring and facilitating the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding.
“It will be assisted by two other committees namely a working committee; co-chaired by Secretary-General for Ministry of Transport Malaysia and Sarawak State Secretary, and technical committee; co-chaired by the Secretary of the Maritime Division of Ministry of Transport Malaysia and Sarawak State Financial Secretary,” he added.
He said Sarawak also has formed Bintulu Port Authority through the Port Authority Ordinance 1961.
“I am very confident with the collaboration, support and experience of all concerned, we will take over the port by the end of the year,” Uggah said. — DayakDaily
