The transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government is expected to be finalised by the end of June 2026.
Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the agreement for the transfer was reached with the federal government in December last year.
He said the move would significantly enhance Sarawak’s control over its port operations and strategic maritime assets, further supporting long-term economic growth.
He added that in the third quarter of 2026, the State Government would move ahead with consolidating all state port authorities under a central body to be known as the Sarawak Ports Authority.
“This will streamline policymaking, regulation, and harmonise development efforts alongside the implementation of the Sarawak Ports Masterplan,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech during the DUN Sitting today (May 20).
Uggah said all state ports had recorded encouraging performance in early 2026, with throughput in the first quarter increasing by 10 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.
“This demonstrates the resilience of our economy in this uncertain geopolitical climate,” he said.
On ongoing modernisation efforts, Uggah said several strategic infrastructure projects were being implemented to improve port capacity and efficiency.
Among them, he said, was the proposed dredging and associated works at Batang Baram Delta, Miri, which is targeted for completion by the end of 2026 to allow deeper-draught vessels to call at Miri Port.
He also highlighted the expansion of the vehicle yard at Senari Terminal, which will accommodate an additional 1,000 vehicles, increasing total capacity to 3,500 by 2026, positioning the terminal as a regional car distribution hub.
In addition, he said the Senari Terminal wharf would be extended by 250 metres, including a 30-metre mooring dolphin, to enhance vessel handling capacity.
Uggah added that the container yard capacity would also be expanded by 200,000 TEUs annually by 2028 to meet growing cargo demand and strengthen Sarawak’s competitiveness in regional trade.
