MIRI: Miri Port is poised to play a bigger role as the gateway to Northern Sarawak as improved navigational access and new industrial opportunities take shape at Kuala Baram.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Port Development), Datuk Majang Renggi said the completion of the Kuala Baram access channel dredging project would provide Miri Port with a stronger foundation to expand its operations, attract investment and support increased trade.
Delivering a speech on behalf of Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Miri Port Authority’s presentation of certificates and awards here on Friday night (Sept. 4), he said the dredging project, which began in July 2024, was progressing ahead of schedule.
It is expected to be completed by the end of this year, well ahead of its contractual completion date of March 2027.
“With the completion of this project, Miri Port will have improved navigational access and a stronger foundation to support its operations and future development,” he said.
The improved channel is expected to facilitate smoother trade and cargo handling while creating opportunities for greater port utilisation, new businesses and investment in the surrounding area.
Majang said the Sarawak Government had also earmarked land at Miri Port for the proposed development of a Free Zone and Base Support Services for upstream oil and gas activities serving operations in Miri waters.
The proposed Free Zone could support activities ranging from oil and gas operations and containerisation to processing, manufacturing, assembly, import and re-export, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating local economic growth.
He said Miri Port has the potential to become an important link between Sarawak and regional and global markets, with the Kuala Baram dredging project representing a significant milestone for Miri Division.
Meanwhile, the proposed Sarawak Ports Authority, targeted for establishment by the fourth quarter of this year, is expected to provide a more coordinated framework for the regulation and strategic development of the State’s ports.
For Miri Port, this could further strengthen its role in supporting the oil and gas sector, industrial development, trade and logistics activities in Northern Sarawak.
Majang said the Sarawak Ports Masterplan Study would provide an important basis for determining Miri Port’s future role within the State’s wider port network, taking into account future cargo demand, capacity, navigational requirements, land use and industrial growth.
The event also marked Miri Port Authority’s 43rd year of excellence and 28th year of operations at Kuala Baram.
Miri Port was recognised for achieving MS ISO 27001:2022 certification, making it, according to the speech, the first agency and port in Sarawak to achieve the certification from SIRIM.
Majang said the certification would strengthen customer confidence in the port’s information security, data integrity and service delivery.
He urged Miri Port to maximise the benefits of the improved access channel and forge stronger partnerships with the oil and gas sector and other industries to attract new businesses, investment and employment to Kuala Baram.
