THE introduction of Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024 is well-timed and aligns with the state’s goal of realising the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2023).
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan said that ports support economic activities and growth for Sarawak as a pivotal connection between land and sea.
“This Bill enables Sarawak to centrally coordinate all aspects of its governance and operation to push for its trade, transportation and economic growth and advancement beyond its sealine to the rest of the world as a global player and greater compliance to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),” he said when debating the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024 during the third session of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Lidam said with large areas in Sarawak becoming more accessible due to highways like Pan Borneo, along with new advancements in agriculture and manufacturing, there is a noticeable increase in the transportation of raw materials and finished goods through Sarawak’s ports.
“These ports in Sarawak will function as crucial collection and distribution hubs, not only for urban areas but also for products from rural regions and this setup allows for the enhancement of trade values and positively impacts the welfare of the local populace,” he said.
Lidam noted that the Sarawak Port Authority’s role in managing, regulating, controlling and administering all ports in Sarawak would provide strategic advantages to foster business growth for both domestic and global businesses.
“The introduction of this bill will allow Sarawak Port Authority to review and innovate the current level of efficiency and effectiveness to another level by adopting new ways of achieving results like the automation of various port processes from cargo handling to customs procedures; and automated systems can improve efficiency, reduce operational costs and minimise human errors.
“The legal framework in this Bill provides the necessary structure, standards, and guidelines for effective port management, ensuring that ports operate lawfully, safely, and sustainably while serving the needs of global trade and transportation,” Lidam said.
In addition to that, Lidam said that the port structure should prioritise efficiency, innovation and sustainability to optimise revenue generation for Sarawak, and the port can unlock new opportunities for growth by modernising the port infrastructure, to accept artificial intelligence (AI) technology and fostering strategic partnership with big global port operators.
For the effectiveness and meaningful outcomes of Sarawak Port Authority, he suggested that it must operate on the principle of Private Entity and Result/Profit-oriented.
He also said that all dividends and profits must be returned to the Sarawak treasury for the benefit and enjoyment of Sarawak and its people.
