By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Feb 26: Miri Port is set to become a key gateway linking Sarawak’s trade to global markets, following the completion of the Kuala Baram dredging project.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, highlighted the port’s potential to significantly contribute to the State’s economic growth, particularly in the logistics, business distribution, and warehousing sectors.
With strategic planning and by leveraging its natural advantages, Miri Port has the potential to become one of the deepest ports in the world, located near a 50-metre-deep drop along the continental shelf, just 15 kilometres from shore.
This natural deep-sea access presents an opportunity for Kuala Baram to develop into a versatile port, capable of handling various types of cargo, including general cargo, containers, liquid and dry bulk, as well as accommodating cruise vessels. This expansion is expected to stimulate key economic sectors such as shipbuilding, ship repairs, supply bases, and refineries.
As part of Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the government is considering expanding Miri Port towards the sea-front of Kuala Baram to capitalise on the deep waters off the Baram delta. This expansion would enhance Miri Port’s global competitiveness and position it as a world-class port.
“The government may propose the development of a deep-sea port off the Kuala Baram delta,” Uggah stated.
Uggah’s speech was delivered by Dato Majang Renggi, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development II (Port Development), during the Miri Port Authority’s New Year, Chinese New Year, and 42nd Anniversary Celebration last night, which also marked the launch of the Anti-Bribery Management System (MS ISO 37001:2016).
With rich natural resources in its hinterland, Miri Port has substantial potential to grow into a major regional port. Under Sarawak’s clear Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan – particularly through PCDS 2030 – Miri Port is on track to achieving its world-class ambitions by 2030.
While the Kuala Baram dredging project is scheduled for completion by early 2027, Miri Port is already seeking strategic collaborations with industry players, especially in the oil and gas sector, to explore investment opportunities at the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate (KBIE). This initiative is expected to drive new industries, boost exports, and generate more job opportunities for the local workforce.
Uggah expressed confidence that with the completion of the dredging project, Kuala Baram would attract increasing industrial and business activities, solidifying its role as an economic hub in northern Sarawak.
The development is expected to attract further investment into northern Sarawak, aligning with the ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ vision and creating more employment opportunities in the Miri Division.
Also present at the event were MPA chairman Dato Paulus Palu Ngumbang and MPA general manager Serawa Budol. – DayakDaily
