By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, June 21: Bintulu Port has officially been handed over to the Sarawak government from the federal government, marking its conversion from a federal port to a state port as well as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen the State’s rights and autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The RM1.8 billion cheque was presented by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following the signing of a Tripartite Agreement and a Completion Agreement between the federal government, the Sarawak government, and Bintulu Port.
According to Abang Johari, the takeover was carried out through mutual agreement between the federal and Sarawak governments, including the payment of agreed compensation for the acquisition of the port’s assets.
Speaking at the cheque handover ceremony following the conversion of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port at the Bintulu Port Authority (BPA) here today, Abang Johari said that the takeover carries historical significance, as the port was originally under State jurisdiction before its management was transferred to the federal government to facilitate its development through loans backed by federal guarantees.
“At that time, Sarawak required financing of about RM400 million from the Asian Development Bank, and the loan guarantee could only be provided by the federal government. Therefore, both parties agreed that the port would be developed and managed by the federal government,” he said, as reported by the Malaysian Information Department (JaPen) Sarawak.
He said Sarawak’s current financial strength has enabled the State government to reclaim management rights over Bintulu Port through a mutually agreed mechanism without involving the direct purchase of assets.
With the acquisition, he said that Bintulu Port is now strategically positioned to support the energy transition and low-carbon economy agenda after Bintulu was recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC), with the potential to drive the development of globally competitive green industries.
He added that the State government will continue to strengthen the port’s facilities and infrastructure to support growth in the maritime sector, clean energy industries, and new investments that would enhance the competitiveness of both the State and national economies.
Among those present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
