Bintulu port status to state port will be completed by early next year

 

Sarawak MPs welcomed the government’s efforts regarding the change in Bintulu port’s status, reflecting the government’s commitment in upholding the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963. (Bintulu Port pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

The process of converting the status of Bintulu port to a Sarawak state port is expected to be completed by early next year, says transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

He said the change in the port’s status will be enforced once all related matters, negotiations and agreements between the federal and the Sarawak governments are finalised.

The enforcement date will be signed by me as soon as all discussions related to administration, finance and other matters are completed,

 he said when winding up the debate on the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu district to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Bill 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024 today, Bernama reported.

During the debate session of the bill, Sarawak MPs welcomed the government’s efforts regarding the change of the port’s status, reflecting the government’s commitment to uphold the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Also approved was the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Bill 2024, aimed at repealing the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 (Act 243).

A memorandum of understanding regarding the change of status of Bintulu port was signed between Loke and Sarawak deputy premier and state infrastructure and port development minister Douglas Uggah Embas on March 22.

Deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said the approval of these two bills was also in line with the Port Authorities Ordinance 1961, which states that all ports in Sarawak are under the jurisdiction of the state government.

He said the operations of Bintulu port will continue as usual under the company appointed until certain matters are finalised. - FMT