Sarawak ports now under a centralised authority for competitive and efficient services, says Deputy Premier

KUCHING: Ports in Sarawak will come under a single central authority with the passing of the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill in the state legislative assembly on Tuesday.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who tabled the Bill, said a central port authority was needed in tandem with the crucial role of ports in Sarawak’s economic development.

He said a centralised authority would improve efficiency, strategic planning, service quality, economies of scale, negotiating power, environmental management and security in port management.

“The model of centralisation could help Sarawak ports become more competitive and efficient, aligning with the broader economic goals of the region.

“The establishment of the centralised port authority is also in line with the post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 which includes efficient port services as one of the catalytic initiatives under the enabler of basic infrastructure,” he said.

The Bill was passed after being debated by 20 assemblymen.

Uggah said the Sarawak Ports Authority would be established once the new Ordinance comes into force to assume regulatory control over the existing port authorities in the state.

He said regulatory control would be exercised through a licensing regime to facilitate the corporatisation and eventual privatisation of port operations to enable the ports to be operated as commercial entities.

“In respect of the taking over of the management and operation of the ports, this will be implemented in three phases, namely interim, corporatisation and privatisation,” he said.

Uggah said the Sarawak Ports Authority’s functions included planning the development of ports; licensing port operators and port undertakings; promoting the efficiency and reliability of port services and facilities; and adopting low-carbon solutions in port operations.

“The enactment of this new law and the establishment of Sarawak Ports Authority will enable us to transform our ports.

“This transformation is crucial to leverage our strategic geographical position and abundant natural resources effectively, helping to secure our position as a key player in regional and global trade networks,” he added.