By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 16: Sarawak is moving to establish a single port authority to coordinate policies and management across the State’s major ports as it pushes to strengthen trade ties with key Asian economies including China, Japan and South Korea.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the proposed authority would oversee policy direction for all ports in Sarawak to ensure more efficient operations, stronger logistics coordination and better engagement with international trade partners.
“We are going to set up our own port authority, one port that will manage all the other ports in terms of policy.
“We must have good port operation interfacing with our trade partners, say Korea, or Japan, or China,” he said when speaking at the 65th anniversary dinner of the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) last night (May 15). An audio recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.
In a previous report dated Nov 26, 2025, the Sarawak Ports Authority is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development (MIPD) has set up a task force responsible for establishing the administrative and management framework for the single entity.
Abang Johari further said Sarawak’s growing port network now places the State in a strong strategic position, especially after taking over Bintulu Port from the Federal government.
“We have a big port in Kuching, a big port in central Sarawak in Bintulu, and now we are also developing a new offshore port in Miri,” he pointed out.
He said the new Miri port, located about 8km offshore, could eventually spark large-scale coastal development, likening its long-term potential to a “mini Shanghai”.
“Imagine in 10 or 15 years, new land could naturally form and you build buildings there. Maybe not as big as Shanghai, but perhaps a mini Shanghai,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the new Tanjung Embang deep-sea port development would be undertaken with the private sector, with PETROS leading the infrastructure development.
“Then, we will have gas port operations as well as cargo operations, and hopefully that will become a very competitive port in Asia.
“If Singapore can do it, I’m sure Sarawak also can do it,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
