By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 7: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) unanimously passed the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, establishing the Sarawak Ports Authority as the central port regulatory body.
The bill, presented earlier by Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, aims to manage, regulate, and administer all ports in Sarawak, including licensing of port operators, undertakings and related matters.
“Sarawak Ports Authority will be the regulatory body, not operator like the present Miri Port Authority which is the authority and operator. I hope all members will understand this,” he said during his winding-up speech.
With a total of 20 august House members debating the Bill, Uggah acknowledged the input and suggestions will help the Sarawak government develop ports in the region to a world-class standard.
“This is a meaningful Bill that will bring prosperity to Sarawak.
“I think it is also timely to record our appreciation to Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for successfully reclaiming Bintulu Port, which is no easy feat, but with sheer determination as the law is on our side,” he said.
Uggah also recorded the government’s appreciation to Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim who recognised that Bintulu Port should be given back to Sarawak as well as Minister of Transport Anthony Loke for supporting the process.
“I hope YB Padungan (Chong Chieng Jen) will share the same stand of the Minister (Loke who is Democratic Action Party secretary-general) instead of going the other direction,” he urged, drawing laughter in the august House.
The enactment of the Bill replaces the Ports Authorities Ordinance 1961, marking the transition to a centralised port authority. This move aims to enhance port efficiency, positioning Sarawak as a key player in regional and global trade networks.
The Bill outlines a phased approach to corporatise and eventually privatise port operations, ensuring ports function as commercial entities under a licensing regime. The taking over of the management and operation of ports will be implemented in three phases – interim, corporatisation, and privatisation.
Additionally, a Port Consultative Council will facilitate engagement with industry players to promote trade, transportation, marine shipping and investment.
Uggah stressed the pivotal role of ports in facilitating domestic and international trade, driving economic growth, and generating employment opportunities.
“In fact, over 90 per cent of the global trade volume was transported via sea, according to International Maritime Organisation (IMO2008).
“I am confident that the enactment of this new law and the establishment of Sarawak Ports Authority will enable us to transform our ports. This transformation is crucial for Sarawak to leverage its strategic geographical position and abundant natural resources effectively, helping to secure its position as a key player in regional and global trade networks,” he added. — DayakDaily
