KUCHING, June 18: The proposed dredging project to deepen the access channel and construct training bunds in Batang Baram Delta, Miri, is expected to take 33 months, with a completion date slated for March 2027.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas witnessed the contract signing ceremony for the RM208,977,000 dredging project today between Miri Port Authority (MPA) and Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd (RPSB) – China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd (CCC) Joint Venture (JV).
Uggah, who also serves as Sarawak Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), told reporters that the project would hopefully be completed ahead of schedule, which is 33 months.
“We hope they will complete as early as possible. I hope they can do it within 24 months. That will augur very well for us,” he said during a press conference held today following the contract signing ceremony held today at a local hotel here.
According to Uggah’s earlier speech at the ceremony, the project will deepen the access channel at Kuala Baram for Miri Port, while the construction of two 6km training bunds will allow for effective flushing of the dredged channel.
“The construction of these bunds in deep water of over 25m will allow Kuala Baram to be a strategic and suitable location to develop a deep sea port.
“I foresee Kuala Baram will be a future deep sea port, capable of handling all types of cargos, from general cargos like containers to liquid and dry bulk cargos, as well as cruise vessels.
“With these there will be multiple simulations to other sectors of the economy, such as shipbuilding, ship repairs, supply base, and others,” he explained.
The minister went on to say that Miri Port will be able to contribute to the state’s economic growth in addition to providing economic spin-offs for logistics and business distribution, warehouses, and other facilities.
Meanwhile, MPA chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang stated in his speech that the shallow access channel to the Miri Port terminal at the Batang Baram delta had created severe navigational safety hazards and stifled the growth of industries operating in the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate (KBIE) and the northern region of Sarawak in general.
According to him, if Miri Port had a deeper access channel, it would be able to fully utilise its designated capacity of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargo every year.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Sarawak Minister for Transport (MOTS) Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin; Sarawak Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Datuk Rosey Yunus as well as Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew. — DayakDaily
