BY ALVERDTEKOSTER ANYAP & SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: Bintulu Port continues to play critical role as Sarawak’s strategic economic pulse, not only to facilitate trade but also shape the future of trade.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said as Sarawak continues to position itself as a competitive industrial and energy player, Bintulu Port becomes even more critical
He said the port stands as the pulse of Sarawak’s economy, supporting industries, enabling trade, and connecting Sarawak to the world.
“As Sarawak continues to grow under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the importance of Bintulu Port will only increase.
“It must continue to evolve, not only in capacity, but in credibility. This also includes the transformation at the level of management in modern times.
“In other words, you have to apply innovation and digitalisation in the management of Bintulu Port,” he said.
He was speaking at the Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) 30th anniversary dinner at Sheraton Kuching on Tuesday (Apr 14) evening.
Furthermore, Bintulu Port has been declared as a free zone for investment and industrial expansion.
Abang Johari said that with the continued expansion of industries in Samalaju and beyond, the port will remain central to enabling supply chains, attracting investment, and supporting downstream economic activities.
“As the development intensifies in that area, Bintulu Port will serve as a catalyst for new investment and industrial expansion.
“A well-structured free zone is not merely about incentives. It is about creating an ecosystem that encourages innovation, efficiency, and long-term industrial presence.
“I therefore encourage Bintulu Port to pursue this with urgency and clarity of purpose,” he explained.
To further boost industrial efficiency, he highlighted that the government is exploring new frontiers in connectivity.
“This includes our intention to link Samalaju Port and Bintulu Port via a rail network for which, at the moment, study is being underway.
“This rail link connecting Bintulu, Kidurong, and Samalaju will create a free-satellite network to move goods and people with speed and green technology,” he added.
