Sarawak to Centralize Port Regulation Under New Authority to Boost Efficiency

In a legislative assembly session, Sarawak officials detailed a plan to consolidate regulatory control of every state port under the Sarawak Ports Authority. Deputy Infrastructure and Port Development Minister Datuk Majang Renggi said centralising oversight will better coordinate Bintulu Port’s growth with other facilities, allowing each to specialise based on location and industrial strengths. The approach includes forming port clusters, revising tariff structures, modernising infrastructure and corporatising management to improve efficiency and sustainability.

The move follows Sarawak’s recent full takeover of Bintulu Port from the Federal Government, giving the state greater influence over the LNG export hub. Renggi emphasized that the strategy reflects the government’s commitment to managing strategic assets in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Planned upgrades also target operational efficiency, infrastructure development and digital systems at Bintulu Port.