KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak is set to see major developments in both its maritime and aviation sectors, with the transfer of Bintulu Port expected to be finalised within months and a RM445-million upgrade approved for Miri Airport.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said all major issues involving the transfer of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government, including legal and valuation matters, had been resolved.
He said a final meeting with Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas would be held soon to conclude the remaining documentation process.
“The legal issues and pricing matters have already been settled. As announced previously, the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government have reached an agreement on the final cost of the transfer,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the new BAS.MY Kuching routes here today (May 9).
Loke said the final draft agreement had already been prepared and was now awaiting Cabinet endorsement before the official handover could proceed.
“The process had taken time as it involved the enforcement of the dissolution of the Bintulu Port Authority following the passing of the relevant legislation about two years ago,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Federal and Sarawak governments reportedly agreed in principle to a RM1.8-billion valuation for the takeover of Bintulu Port.
Meanwhile, on the aviation front, Loke announced that the Ministry of Economy had approved the upgrading project for Miri Airport under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
He said the project is expected to begin this year following the completion of a value assessment review conducted in March.
“The expansion of Miri Airport is important as it is the second busiest airport in Sarawak after Kuching International Airport.
“Besides serving as a major domestic airport, Miri Airport also functions as the main hub for Rural Air Services (RAS) operated by AirBorneo, connecting interior areas in Sarawak to major towns,” he said.
Loke added that the upgrade would improve passenger capacity, strengthen rural air connectivity, and support Miri’s role as a key aviation hub in northern Sarawak.
