KUCHING: The upcoming parliamentary session is expected to witness the introduction of the Bintulu Port Bill, as revealed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He made this announcement during a media interaction following his participation in the Iban Cultural Heritage Symposium and Expo 2024 at the Dayak Cultural Foundation Headquarters.
“In my meeting with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs and senators yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, we extensively discussed matters about the Bintulu Port,” said Abang Johari.
“There is a possibility that legislation concerning the Bintulu Port will be repealed, except Labuan. Labuan will continue to be a port under the ownership of the Federal government, while the transfer of the Bintulu Port to Sarawak is being considered.”
It is worth mentioning that Sarawak is scheduled to assume control of the Bintulu Port Authority from the Federal Government by June of this year.
The decision to facilitate this handover was finalised during the Federal-State Joint Committee Meeting held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in January 2024.
When questioned about the identity of the next Senate President, Abang Johari advised waiting for the Prime Minister’s forthcoming announcement on the matter.
“I have proposed a candidate from Sarawak for the position, but we will have to wait for the Prime Minister’s joint declaration,” he concluded.
