KUCHING: Sarawak is in the final stages of transitioning the federally managed Bintulu Port Authority into a state-controlled port, with completion now targeted by Jan 30 next year.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas the transfer was originally scheduled for Nov 30 this year but was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
“This is due to factors beyond our control, we are now trying our best to get this transfer done by Jan 30 next year,” he said.
He said this during the ministry’s appreciation dinner for government departments and agencies which had helped it in the successful implementations of infrastructural programmes and projects here last night (Dec 13).
Uggah added another ambitious goal for the state is the establishment of the Tanjung Embang deep sea port, a key project driven by the vision of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“This is a favourite dream of our Premier. We must ensure that his dream will materialise and for the port to be able to compete with other ports in the region.
“We are most fortunate as we have the collaboration of the Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in working on this,” he said.
He also expressed hopes for the ministry to establish a single state port authority to consolidate all six state ports, adding that the necessary laws had been passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) recently.
“My target is for this to function by June next year. So there is a lot of hard work to be done for a seamless transfer into this single entity and one which we want to do at minimal cost,” he said.
Therefore, with added workload as well as new responsibilities for the ministry, Uggah said there is a need to restructure especially in getting more officers and other personnel.
“MIPD now has 42 officers and staff. We are looking at increasing the number to 60 and to even 100.
“We certainly need the number as we have a number of critical projects coming our way,” he said.
Uggah further said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given the Ministry unprecedented budget allocation of RM1.31 billion for next year, and the ultimate objective is to spend 100 per cent of the allocation for the people’s full benefit.
“This will mean more and more jobs ahead to do and to deliver as scheduled.
“As a matter of fact when we include the port portfolio to the ministry, this accentuates our need for more manpower,” he said.
