By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, Sept 5: The Kuala Baram navigation channel dredging project currently underway is expected to be completed by the end of this year, ahead of its contractual completion date of March 2027, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
In a TVS news report, he said the project is progressing smoothly and ahead of schedule and is expected to enhance navigation capabilities and operations at Miri Port.
Once completed, he said, the improved navigation channel will provide an important foundation for increased trade and cargo-handling activities, while also creating opportunities for business growth and investment in Kuala Baram.
“With the completion of this project, Miri Port will have better navigational access and a stronger foundation to support its future operations and development.
“This will in turn facilitate trade and cargo-handling activities within the port’s hinterland,” he said in his speech, which was read out by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi at the 43rd Anniversary Celebration of the Miri Port Authority and the 28th Anniversary of its Operations here on Friday (Sept 4).
The government has also allocated land at Miri Port for a proposed Free Zone and base support services to support upstream oil and gas activities in Miri waters.
He said the development could encompass a range of activities, including the oil and gas industry, intermodal cargo transfers, break-bulk operations, containerisation, packaging, processing, and import and re-export activities.
He said the initiative could stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities and increase cargo flows through Miri Port, adding that Miri Port also has the potential to develop into an important port connecting Sarawak’s trade with regional and global markets.
“The Kuala Baram dredging project is an important achievement for Miri Port and the Miri Division, as improved navigational access could create opportunities for increased port utilisation, new business activities and investment,” he said.
Following the completion of the dredging project, he said Miri Port should focus on maximising the benefits of the improved navigation channel by strengthening relationships with existing and potential customers.
Strategic cooperation, particularly with the oil and gas sector and other industries, should be strengthened to explore new business and investment opportunities at the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate (KBIE).
“The objective is to encourage the establishment of new industries and business activities, create export opportunities and generate employment opportunities for the local community,” he said. — DayakDaily
