Sarawak and the federal administration in Putrajaya have finalised an arrangement to hand over Bintulu Port to the Sarawak state government for RM1.8 billion. Announced in Kuala Lumpur today, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg hailed it as another landmark in the state’s MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) restoration framework.

Key points of the agreement:
• Sale consideration and terms: Sarawak will disburse RM1.8 billion in cash to acquire all federal shares in Bintulu Port.
• Operational control: Upon closing, the state will obtain complete ownership of the port’s equity and voting privileges.
• Schedule: The transfer is slated to conclude in the coming months, pending customary conditions and regulatory endorsements.

Abang Johari emphasised that direct management of the port is vital to Sarawak’s economic roadmap. “Bintulu Port serves not only our LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities but also the timber, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Under state oversight, we can chart its growth to align with Sarawak Vision 2030’s industrialisation objectives,” he noted.

Benefits for Sarawak:
• Income retention: Net proceeds from port activities will be channelled straight into state revenues.
• Strategic integration: State planners can weave port expansion into broader infrastructure and logistics schemes.
• Regional expansion: Increased terminal capacity should draw investors, enhance trade and spur downstream manufacturing around Bintulu and its environs.

The Premier added that the port handover paves the way for more federal assets to be devolved under the MA63 restitution process. “This accord shows that Putrajaya acknowledges Sarawak’s constitutional entitlement to govern its resources and infrastructure. We anticipate moving other significant assets in due course,” he stated.

Talks on the divestiture commenced earlier this year under the Federal-State Relations Special Task Force. The formal transfer agreements were executed today by delegates from the Finance Ministry and the Sarawak administration. Upon finalisation, Sarawak’s newly formed Port Authority will assume full operational, regulatory and commercial oversight of Bintulu Port.

Once the port is under Sarawak’s jurisdiction, the state intends to:
• Launch phased upgrades of cargo-handling, warehousing and logistics infrastructure.
• Deploy digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.
• Cultivate new maritime partnerships to expand the port’s global trade network.

By investing RM1.8 billion, Sarawak is set to reinforce its position as a logistics hub in the region. Authorities expect this port transfer to fast-track economic diversification and generate high-value employment statewide.

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