By DayakDaily Team
MIRI, May 16: The first phase of the river deepening project at the Batang Baram Delta (Northern Bund), which began in July 2024, is progressing ahead of schedule and is expected to be completed by March 2027.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Dato Majang Renggi, said the steady progress was made possible through strong collaboration between the Miri Port Authority (MPA), consultants, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
“This is a commendable achievement that reflects the commitment and cooperation of everyone involved,” he said when representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at a multi-faith ritual ceremony held at the project site on Thursday (May 15) to mark the official commencement of the river deepening and associated works led by MPA.
He said the initiative is part of the Sarawak government’s strategic plan to enhance Miri Port’s operational efficiency and drive economic growth in northern Sarawak.
“This project will significantly increase the port’s capacity, boost trade activity, and unlock new socio-economic opportunities for Miri and the surrounding areas,” he added.
Emphasising the symbolic nature of the ceremony, Majang said it showcased Sarawak’s hallmark of unity in diversity.
“Today’s ceremony highlights the beauty of Sarawak’s multi-religious and multicultural harmony. The thanksgiving prayer by the Muslim community, Christian blessings, Taoist rites, and the Miring ceremony by the Dayak community are not merely rituals, but a testament to our shared belief in the power of prayer and divine blessings in every development journey,” he said.
The event featured religious blessings from four major faiths—Islam, Christianity, Taoism, and Dayak customs—as a symbol of a blessed beginning to the project.
Also present were Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, MPA general manager Serawa Budol, and religious leaders including Dato Dr Nuing Jeluing, Reverend Dato Dr Justin Wan, and Imam Ismawi Hashim. — DayakDaily
