By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Dec 8: The RM208.9 million dredging project to deepen the access channel to the Miri Port terminal at Kuala Baram here is hoped to be completed by the end of 2026.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), stated that he is expecting the project to finish earlier than its targeted completion in March 2027.
The project is being undertaken by a joint venture between Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd (RPSB) and China Communications Construction Company (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (CCC).
During a visit to the project site yesterday (Dec 7), Uggah engaged with consultants from the port and the RPSB/CCC joint venture to revisit their work plans to accelerate construction.
“The project includes dredging the access channel and building two 6-kilometre training bunds in waters over 25 meters deep, positioning Kuala Baram as a future deep-sea port hub.
“The current progress is 3.5 per cent ahead of schedule. I am satisfied with this as it indicates the dredging work is proceeding smoothly,” Uggah stated.
He also noted that approximately 300 metres of bund construction had been completed.
Uggah further said the two bunds are critical for effective flushing of the dredged channel, which currently faces shallow depths causing navigational hazards for ships. These challenges have stifled industrial growth in the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate and northern Sarawak.
Once completed, the deeper access channel will allow Miri Port to fully utilise its 3.5-million-ton annual cargo handling capacity, significantly improving shipping efficiency, fostering industrial growth, and creating job opportunities in the region.
Uggah remains optimistic that the project’s timely completion will solidify Kuala Baram’s strategic importance as a shipping hub and catalyst for economic growth.
Also present were MIPD permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yaw, Miri Port Authority general manager Sarawa Budol, and consultants from the port and contractor teams. — DayakDaily
