KUCHING: Claims that the Sejingkat Bridge has undermined operations at Pending Port are inaccurate, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said Pending Port remains fully operational despite allegations that the bridge construction has adversely affected its operations.
“I do not know which port they are looking at because the Kuching Port Authority has provided a comprehensive explanation of the situation. Pending Port is still operating in full swing,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sejingkat Bridge stitching ceremony here today (Aug 17).
The Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development said Sarawak’s plans to develop a new deep-sea port were driven by projected economic and cargo growth rather than the construction of the bridge.
He said the existing port facilities would eventually face capacity constraints as Sarawak attracted more investments and expanded industries supported by its energy resources and Sarawak Gas Roadmap.
The state is projecting annual economic growth of between six and eight per cent, with its gross domestic product expected to reach RM282 billion by 2030.
“With such a massive transformation, there is a need to develop our road and port infrastructure.
“The existing facilities may not be able to cope, not because of this bridge, but because of the volume and types of businesses expected to come in,” he said.
Uggah said the state government was therefore planning a major deep-sea port at Tanjung Embang to meet future industrial and trade requirements.
He said the proposed facility would enable smoother port operations without being constrained by high or low tides and reduce the need for dredging.
“We are not implementing projects without seriously considering their outcomes and socioeconomic impact on Sarawak.
“That is why the government is looking beyond Senari and Pending by developing Tanjung Embang as Sarawak’s future major deep-sea port,” he added.
