KUCHING: The Kuala Baram Delta dredging project is ahead of schedule, underscoring the Sarawak government’s commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure and driving long-term economic growth.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved during an inspection of the dredging works at the Kuala Baram navigation channel.
He also commended the close cooperation and commitment demonstrated by all agencies, consultants, contractors and stakeholders involved in ensuring the project is delivered on schedule.
“The encouraging progress achieved reflects the Sarawak government’s continuous commitment to enhancing maritime infrastructure to improve port operational efficiency, strengthen navigational safety and support the growth of the shipping, logistics and oil and gas industries,” he said.
He added that the project would contribute significantly to Sarawak’s prosperity and sustainable economic development by facilitating safer and more efficient maritime transportation.
The working visit was attended by Miri Port Authority (MPA) General Manager Serawa Budol, members of the MPA Board of Directors, representatives from the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), the shipping association, as well as the project’s contractor and consultant.
During the visit, Serawa briefed the delegation on the project’s progress, explaining that the initiative commenced in 2024 to address persistent sand and silt deposition at the mouth of the Kuala Baram River.
Prior to the implementation of the project, sediment accumulation had significantly reduced the navigation channel’s depth, restricting the safe movement of larger vessels, including container and cargo ships, offshore support vessels and other commercial craft.
The project involves dredging the navigation channel to achieve a depth of five metres below Chart Datum (CD). It also includes the construction of North and South Training Bunds, each measuring approximately six kilometres in length, to minimise future sedimentation and maintain sufficient channel depth throughout the year.
Henry and the delegation also visited the North Training Bund construction site, where they were informed that overall project progress had reached 69 per cent as of June 30, placing it three per cent ahead of schedule.
The SRB said that all regulatory approvals, including the Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) study, had been obtained.
It also assured that all recommendations arising from the study would be fully implemented during both the construction and operational phases to ensure the project’s safety, efficiency and long-term sustainability.
