By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 7: Sarawak holds a promising future in building a world-class port-based economy considering that she sits strategically as a trading economy in the Asean region.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang said this when debating on the proposed Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
“By developing ports according to a comprehensive master plan covering the entire Sarawak and possibly extending to the entire of Borneo Island, (it) will strengthen Sarawak’s economy and position it as a leading economy in the region,” he said.
The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leader further cited Lloyd’s list of 100 busiest ports 2024 rankings where two Malaysian ports namely Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas, were ranked at 13 and 14 respectively.
In the same list, Shanghai Port took first place while Singapore Port ranked second.
“In my point of view, we need to emulate or copy the management systems that these top ranking ports are applying to the success of their ports.
“Perhaps we can collaborate for instance with Singapore Port Authority to study their pattern of their port’s functions, services and administration models,” he added.
Meanwhile, fellow PRS member and Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon pointed out that the proposed Bill which seeks to streamline and consolidate the fragmented management of port authorities in Sarawak under a single unified body—Sarawak Ports Authority—will ensure better coordination, efficiency and effectiveness in the governance of the ports, leading to improved services and infrastructure for the benefit of all stakeholders.
“By having a singular body overseeing all ports in Sarawak, we can eliminate redundancies, minimise bureaucratic hurdles, and optimise resource allocation.
“This will not only enhance the competitiveness of our ports but also attract greater investment and trade opportunities to Sarawak,” he emphasised.
He also said the Bill aimed to reform the governance structure and regulatory framework of port operations in Sarawak which includes the harmonisation of port dues, vessel dues, port charges, and fees, creating a fair and transparent system that promotes competitiveness and sustainability in the maritime sector. — DayakDaily
