By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 7: There are no major changes to the provisions regarding dues, charges, and fees with the proposed establishment of the Sarawak Ports Authority, which will serve as the central port authority overseeing all existing port authorities in the region.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, when tabling the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, affirmed that it will maintain provisions concerning port development cess, port dues, vessel dues, port charges, and other fees.
“The port dues and vessel dues are to be paid into the State Consolidated Account but MMKN may direct such dues to be paid to the licensed port operator,” he told the august House today.
The Bill, he continued, also makes provisions for enforcement for recovery of unpaid dues, charges and fees including lien over any property of any person who is owing money to the Authority or the licensed port operator, recovery by civil suit, arrest and sale of vessel and withholding of clearance for departure by Customs.
Uggah highlighted that the Sarawak Ports Authority’s responsibilities will expand to include licensing all port operators and port undertakings, alongside planning, streamlining, and coordinating port development, expansion, and enhancement in the region.
“It would also promote and facilitate the development of business of the port and its hinterland and connectivity with other ports and transportation hubs outside Sarawak, and promote efficiency and reliability of services and facilities in accordance with recognised international standards and best practices.
“Furthermore, it would act as authority for any free zone established under and subject to section 3(2) of the Free Zones Act 1990; and to adopt low carbon solutions in the management and operation of port undertakings,” he said.
Expanding the scope of port business, Uggah emphasised that the definition of ‘port undertakings’ has been broadened to encompass all commercial and operational activities, aiming to diversify port revenue sources.
This includes providing various facilities and services such as petroleum supply bases, free zones, towage and pilotage services, ship-to-ship transfers, bunkering services, port terminal services, and handling, loading, unloading, storage, delivery, and transportation of goods and passengers on land.— DayakDaily
