Bintulu Port shifts to Sarawak control after 48 years of federal oversight

Bintulu Port, originally declared a federal port in 1978 and opened in 1983, has been transferred to Sarawak’s jurisdiction as of Sept 1, after 48 years under the federal system. The shift was triggered by the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Act 2024 and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024. Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd’s unit, Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd, will continue to run, manage and develop the port under a heads-of-agreement dated July 27 with the Sarawak government and BPSB, pending a formal concession contract.

The Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry confirmed the state’s approval of BPHB as the appointed port operator under the Port Authorities Ordinance. A tripartite agreement on June 21 also releases the federal government from claims linked to the 1992 privatisation agreement. BPHB pledged cooperation with state authorities to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted port services.