By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, Aug 29: The Sarawak government will officially take over the management of Bintulu Port from the federal hovernment effective Sept 1, following a three-year transition process involving complex matters concerning assets, land, finances, staffing and legal arrangements.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the completion of the takeover was a testament to the close cooperation and mutual understanding between the Sarawak and federal governments in resolving a process that had been long and complex.
He said three key conditions agreed upon as part of the transition had been fulfilled, including the takeover of all Bintulu Port Authority (LPB) employees, the return of some LPB assets and payment for the release of Bintulu Port assets.
“First, we are taking over all Bintulu Port Authority employees.
“Second, some of the Bintulu Port Authority’s assets will be returned, and third, we will make payment for the release of Bintulu Port assets.
“All these have been fulfilled. That is why today, the Malaysian Ministry of Transport (MOT) has confirmed that the port has been handed over to Sarawak,” he said in a post shared on his social media.
Uggah highlighted these to reporters after the Bintulu Port Authority farewell ceremony marking its departure from the Malaysian Ministry of Transport, which was also attended by Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook on Friday (Aug 28).
Uggah, who is also Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, said the transition had not been easy as it involved various issues relating to assets and land, finances, legal matters, staffing, employee welfare, due diligence and port by-laws.
“The matters were ultimately resolved through negotiations, patience and mutual respect between the federal and Sarawak governments,” he added.
The process dates back to Jan 30, 2023, when the Sarawak Premier announced the proposed takeover, followed by the Prime Minister’s announcement in Parliament on Oct 13, 2023.
This was followed by the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 22, 2024, and the repeal of the Bintulu Port Authority Act in Parliament on July 17, 2024.
An agreement on the takeover value of RM1.8 billion was reached on Feb 4, 2026, followed by the cheque handover ceremony on June 21 this year.
Uggah said the takeover demonstrated that cooperation and the spirit of Malaysia between the Federal and Sarawak governments could resolve an issue that was initially highly complex.
He stressed that the takeover should not be viewed solely as Sarawak taking control of a port, but as part of a broader effort to strengthen the port’s role in supporting both Sarawak and Malaysia.
“For us, when we develop Sarawak, we are also developing Malaysia. What benefits Sarawak will also benefit Malaysia,” he said.
Bintulu Port has developed over the past 47 years since 1979, evolving from a facility initially supporting the energy industry into a major gateway for trade, an industrial catalyst and a link connecting Sarawak’s resources with global markets.
With the takeover taking effect on Sept 1, Bintulu Port will enter a new phase of administration as a strategic asset under Sarawak, while retaining its importance to the national economy.
Uggah said the Sarawak government would continue developing the port to ensure it remained competitive not only within Malaysia but also strengthened its position globally.
He said service efficiency, productivity, safety, integrity and good governance would remain priorities under the new administration to ensure the port continued to meet the needs and confidence of its users.
Bintulu Port is also expected to receive its first EcoPorts certification in September, marking another step towards strengthening its sustainability credentials and position within the regional maritime sector.
The takeover marks a new chapter in Bintulu Port’s 47-year history, with Sarawak now entrusted with carrying forward its development as a strategic driver of trade, industry and economic growth for both the State and the country. — DayakDaily
