Majang says the port advisor and task force will gather input from key stakeholders, benchmarking against international best practices, and ensure that Sarawak’s ports are well-positioned to drive long-term economic development and enhance regional competitiveness. – Penerangan photo
KUCHING (May 20): A port advisor and task force have been appointed to lead the development of the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, said Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Dato Majang Renggi.
He said the port advisor and task force will gather input from key stakeholders, benchmarking against international best practices, and ensure that Sarawak’s ports are well-positioned to drive long-term economic development and enhance regional competitiveness.
“The ministry is in the process of formulating the comprehensive Sarawak Ports Master Plan aim at providing a strategic direction for port development across the state in line with the policy of clustered growth in the northern, central and southern regions.
“The master plan will outline strategic initiatives and development priorities upon its completion and will be aligned with the role of the forthcoming Sarawak Ports Authority (SarPA), which aims to streamline port governance by consolidating the functions of existing port authorities under a single, centralised entity,” he said during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
He was responding to a question by Johnny Pang Leong Ming (GPS-Tanjong Batu) who had asked for the ministry to provide an overview of the current port master plan being implemented by the Sarawak government.
Majang said the ministry will be engaging closely with key stakeholders including state agencies, existing port authorities, terminal operators, and industry players to ensure that the master plan reflects the unique role and requirements of each port.
“These engagements, along with data analysis and site assessments, will help tailor development strategies that are both locally responsive and regionally competitive.
To a supplementary question on the function of SarPA, Majang said the new authority will serve as the central regulatory body for all ports in Sarawak, replacing the current individual port authorities.
“SarPA will have ownership of the Sarawak Ports Master Plan, and have responsibility for policy making, regulations, harmonising development efforts, and ensuring consistent governance, efficiency, and alignment with Sarawak’s long-term economic goals,” he said.
By Marilyn Ten
