By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 20: The newly established Sarawak Ports Authority (SarPA) will serve as the central regulatory body for all ports in the State, replacing the existing individual port authorities, said Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi.
Majang, who is also Samalaju assemblyman (GPS-PRS), said SarPA will own the Sarawak Ports Master Plan and be responsible for policymaking, regulation, harmonising development efforts, and ensuring consistent governance, operational efficiency, and alignment with Sarawak’s long-term economic goals.
Majang was responding to Tanjong Batu assemblyman Johnny Pang Leong Ming (GPS-SUPP) during the question-and-answer (Q&A) session of the first meeting of the fourth term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) at the DUS Complex here today.
In his supplementary questions, Pang asked about the role of the new Sarawak Ports Authority under the Master Plan and how the Ministry is ensuring that the plan addresses the needs of all major ports in Sarawak.
As for how the Ministry is ensuring that the new Port Master Plan meets the needs of all major ports in Sarawak, Majang said the Ministry will engage closely with key stakeholders, including state agencies, existing port authorities, terminal operators, and industry players, to ensure the Master Plan reflects the unique roles and requirements of each port.
“These engagements, along with data analysis and site assessments, will help tailor development strategies that are both locally responsive and regionally competitive,” he said.
Pang also requested an overview of the current Port Master Plan being implemented by the Sarawak government, including its strategic developments and future initiatives.
“The Ministry is in the process of formulating a comprehensive Sarawak Ports Master Plan aimed at providing a strategic direction for port development across the State, in line with the policy of clustered growth in the northern, central, and southern regions.
“A Port Advisor and a Task Force have been appointed to lead the development of this Master Plan which involves gathering input from key stakeholders, benchmarking against international best practices, and ensuring Sarawak’s ports are well-positioned to drive long-term economic development and enhance regional competitiveness.
“The Master Plan will outline strategic initiatives and development priorities upon its completion and will be aligned with the role of the forthcoming Sarawak Ports Authority, which aims to streamline port governance by consolidating the functions of existing port authorities under a single, centralised entity,” said Majang. — DayakDaily
