By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 6: The RM1.8 billion valuation agreed for the impending takeover of Bintulu Port by the Sarawak government represents the combined value of the port’s assets, derived from detailed valuation exercises and negotiations, and is not an arbitrary figure.
Stressing this in a statement today, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) referred to the explanation given by Minister of Transport Anthony Loke in the Dewan Rakyat on the port’s transfer, including the agreed valuation, and welcomed the clarification provided at the federal level.
The ministry said it was taking the opportunity to set out key facts for public understanding and to address allegations and distortions in sections of the media regarding the valuation and transfer process.
“The RM1.8 billion figure was reached amicably through constructive engagement between the federal government and the Sarawak government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) and the Premier of Sarawak (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg).
“The agreement reflects a strong spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that continues to underpin federal–state relations,” the statement said.
The ministry stressed that the valuation represents the combined value of port assets following comprehensive assessments and negotiations between both parties, and should not be viewed as an arbitrary or politically motivated figure.
The statement comes after Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan questioned why Sarawak has to pay RM1.8 billion for the Bintulu Port takeover, describing it as “political extortion.” He argued that there is no public record showing Sarawak was ever compensated when Bintulu Port became a federal port.
Voon also questioned the legal and constitutional basis for the port’s federal status, claiming that it was taken over by the federal government without proper consultation with the Sarawak Government or the Sarawak Legislature, as required under Article 76(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution.
The ministry highlighted the historical context of Bintulu Port’s development, noting that the land allocated for the port was alienated to the federal government, with land premiums duly paid to Sarawak.
“In addition, key infrastructure such as the LNG and oil terminals were constructed at the cost of the Bintulu Port Authority,” the ministry explained.
The return of Bintulu Port to Sarawak marks a foundational step towards establishing a central port authority framework in the state.
“Such a framework would enable more coordinated and efficient port development while strengthening Sarawak’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub,” it added.
The move is also fully aligned with Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which prioritises modern and integrated infrastructure to support economic diversification, sustainable growth, and improved connectivity.
“The benefits of this transfer extend beyond Sarawak and will contribute positively to Malaysia’s overall economic development,” the ministry said, affirming its commitment to responsible stewardship of Sarawak’s ports and continued collaboration with all stakeholders to advance shared prosperity.
On Feb 4, Loke said a joint technical committee is refining the legal aspects of the transfer to ensure that all obligations of both parties are fully met. He explained that Bintulu Port remains a federal port for now and continues to be regulated by the Bintulu Port Authority until the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024, or Act 859, is fully enforced. — DayakDaily
