Bintulu:Sarawak plans to place the regulatory functions of all its ports under the Sarawak Ports Authority to improve coordination, enhance logistics efficiency, and boost trade competitiveness, the state legislative assembly was told.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Majang Renggi mentioned that the initiative aims to better align Bintulu Port's development with other ports in the state to optimize their roles. Port clustering based on geographical advantages and industrial strengths is also being planned to avoid overlapping functions.

Restructuring tariff systems, upgrading port infrastructure and facilities, and corporatizing port management are among the measures identified to enhance the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. These steps were outlined during the question-and-answer session when Majang responded to a query from Christopher Gira Sambang (GPS-Tamin) regarding the Sarawak government's plans after taking over Bintulu Port's management and operations from the Federal Government.

Majang emphasized that the takeover would enable Sarawak to guide Bintulu Port's development in line with the state's economic interests, acknowledging its significance as a key trade gateway and LNG export hub. He noted that the move underlines the state government's commitment to managing strategic assets according to Sarawak's economic interests and its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Additionally, Bintulu Port is set to be further strengthened through improvements in operational efficiency, infrastructure development, and digital systems.