Sarawak to table bill for taking control of ports in the state

A new port authority will be set up for the ports of Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Tanjung Manis and Bintulu, which will be taken over from the federal government. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government is seeking to take control of all ports in the state by tabling the Sarawak Ports Authority bill at the state legislative assembly sitting next week.

The bill, which has been described as “groundbreaking” will determine the direction of the state’s ports operation and management, the Borneo Post reported.

If it is passed, all ports in the state will come under the Sarawak Ports Authority, with provision for the privatisation of port management and operations, speaker, Asfia Awang Nassar, was quoted as saying.

“The bill also seeks to reform the governance structure and regulatory framework of port operations in Sarawak, including harmonising port dues, vessel dues, port charges and fees,” he said.

Asfia said the bill will be tabled by deputy premier Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the infrastructure and port development minister.

In March, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said that his government would establish a central port authority to manage all ports, including the ports of Kuching, Miri, Tanjung Manis and Sibu and taking over Bintulu port from the federal government.

Asfia said Sarawak Forestry Corporation bill and amendments to the Protection of Public Health Act were among other bills to be tabled.

He said the first readings of all the bills will be done on May 7.