By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 7: The proposed Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, which seeks to establish a central port authority to be called ‘Sarawak Ports Authority’, will replace the pre-Malaysia law, the Ports Authorities Ordinance 1961, and assumed regulatory control over all existing port authorities in the region when passed.
The central port authority is tasked with managing, regulating, controlling and administering all ports in Sarawak. It encompasses functions and powers, including licensing of port operators and port undertakings as well as related matters.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the proposed new centralised port authority, which aligns with Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, would enhance efficiency of port services as one of the catalytic initiatives under the enabler of basic infrastructure to secure Sarawak’s position as a key player in regional and global trade networks.
“It is well within the legislative power of this Dewan to enact this Bill as Ports and Harbours (except for those declared Federal Ports) is listed as item 15 in List IIA (Supplement to the States List for Sabah and Sarawak) in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution,” he said when tabling the Bill in the august House today.
Consolidating Sarawak port authorities into a central port authority, he emphasised, would yield greater bargaining power in negotiations with international shipping companies, suppliers, and governments, resulting in more favourable terms and rates of services.
Additionally, it aims to enhance efficiency by streamlining operations, removing redundancy, and implementing uniform policies across all ports to promote resource optimisation, faster turnaround times, and reduced operational costs.
“With a central body, strategic planning can be more coordinated and comprehensive, taking into account the development needs of the entire region rather than individual ports. This allows for better allocation and improvement in infrastructure.
“Centralisation can facilitate the standardisation of service quality across all ports. This uniformly can enhance the overall user experience, making it more predictable and reliable for shippers and carriers,” he elaborated.
Furthermore, the move aims to leverage economies of scale for significant cost savings and technological advancements, as well as to ensure consistent and higher standards of security, safety, and environmental policies across all ports.
Uggah, who is also Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, emphasised the crucial role of port development in Sarawak’s recent economic transformation.
“Therefore, ports in Sarawak must undergo transformation by forming a central port authority,” he added, emphasising on ports’ vital role in spurring economic growth and creating employment and business opportunities and other economic spinoffs, including logistics and transportation businesses, distribution hubs and warehouses.
The Port Authorities Ordinance 1961 has been in existence for 63 years and has seen several amendments over the years. — DayakDaily
