Forming port authority a move toward developed state goal

Majang (right) with Selangau MP Edwin Banta (centre) and Baleh assemblyman Nicholas Kudi Jantai at a ‘miring’ ceremony during the Gawai Sandau Ari event.

THE setting up of the Sarawak Port Authority (LPS) to manage Sarawak’s ports is a necessary step toward becoming a developed state, says the state infrastructure deputy minister.

Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Deputy Minister Datuk Majang Renggi said the new port authority would oversee operations of Miri Port, Samalaju Port, Rajang Port, Tanjong Manis Port and Kuching Port.

These ports are currently run by their respective managements.

Renggi said the ports were an important component in achieving Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed state by 2030.

He cited examples of Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, China and countries in Europe which derived high economic impact after privatisation of their ports.

“The ministry plans to establish an umbrella body to consolidate and manage these ports,” he said at a Gawai Sandau Ari event held in conjunction with the reappointment of Sempurai councillor Petrus Ngelai as Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman for the 2023-2025 term.

The umbrella body, said Renggi, was part of the state government’s plan to group all of its ports into one identity.

“The ministry is working on forming an authority to manage all ports.

“However, we need to privatise the ports before forming LPS,” he added.

In 2019, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg (called chief minister then) had planned to consolidate ports to better manage them.

Back then, the ports involved were Kuching Port, Tanjong Manis Port, Miri Port and Rajang Port. Samalaju Port had yet to open.

According to Abang Johari, port facilities in Sarawak needed to be further improved to meet demand.