By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 22: The Ministry of Transport Malaysia (MOT) and Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak (MIPD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Putrajaya today to formalise the change of Bintulu Port’s status from a Federal port to a State port.
Following this, three committees will be established to oversee the smooth implementation of the takeover namely Special Committee, Working Committee and Technical Committee.
According to Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who is the minister-in-charge of MIPD, the MoU reflects the joint commitment of the Federal government and the Sarawak government with the establishment of the committees to monitor and supervise the conversion of the status of Bintulu Port from a Federal port to a State port and ensure that the transition process can be finalised by the end of 2024.
He said the Special Committee co-chaired by the Minister of Transport Malaysia (Anthony Loke Siew Fook) and himself will ensure the implementation of the MoU runs smoothly and effectively for both parties; identify and take appropriate measures that have an impact according to the intentions of both parties; create a situation that facilitates both parties in implementing this MoU and supervise and assist the process of negotiation and cooperation between the two parties.
“This Special Committee will be assisted by the Working Committee and the Technical Committee, consisting of representatives of the Federal government and the Sarawak government to ensure effective implementation,” he said in a statement made available to the press in conjunction with the MoU signing ceremony.
During the signing ceremony, the MoU was signed by MOT represented by Loke and secretary-general Dato Jana Santhiran Munayan while MIPD was represented by Uggah and the ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yau.
Also present to witness the MoU signing ceremony was Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. — DayakDaily
