THE Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development has appointed a port advisor and a task force to lead the development of the Sarawak Ports Master Plan.
Deputy Minister Datuk Majang Renggi said development of the master plan also involves gathering input from key stakeholders, benchmarking against international best practices, and ensuring Sarawak’s ports are well-positioned to drive long-term economic development and enhance regional competitiveness.
“The master plan will outline strategic initiatives and development priorities upon its completion and will be aligned with the role of the forthcoming Sarawak Ports Authority, which aims to streamline port governance by consolidating the functions of existing port authorities under a single, centralised entity.
“All of these are part of the process in formulating the comprehensive master plan, aimed at providing a strategic direction for port development across Sarawak, in line with the policy of clustered growth in the northern, central and southern regions,” he said during the question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Majang was responding to a question from Johnny Pang Loeng Ming (GPS-Tanjong Batu) on an overview of the current port master plan being implemented by the Sarawak government, which includes strategic development and future initiatives.
Majang said the ministry will engage closely with key stakeholders including state agencies, existing port authorities, terminal operators, and industry players to ensure the master plan reflects the unique roles and requirements of each port.
“These engagements, along with data analysis and site assessments, will help tailor development strategies that are both locally responsive and regionally competitive,” he added.
He said the new Sarawak Ports Authority (SarPA) will serve as the central regulatory body for all ports in the state, replacing the current individual port authorities.
“SarPA will have ownership of the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, and have responsibility for policy making, regulations, harmonising development efforts, and ensuring consistent governance, efficiency, and alignment with Sarawak’s long-term economic goals,” he said.
