MIRI (Sept 18): The Miri Port has the potential to become a key port linking Sarawak’s northern trade to global markets, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said apart from that, it can spur economic opportunities and further accelerate development in Sarawak’s northern region, including the hinterlands.
“The people of Miri have long dreamed of developing this port. However, the high costs and questions over its economic feasibility kept it on hold for years.
“Datuk Amar (Douglas Uggah Embas) and his team met with me to discuss the project, and I had already considered the idea, as we had always wanted to build a port in the northern region but the path forward was unclear,” he said.
Abamg Johari was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the proposed RM208.9 million training bund and dredging project at Batang Baram Delta, at the Miri Port here today.
Abang Johari said that the dredging project to deepen the access channel would adopt the latest BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) technology which is already used in developed countries in Europe.
“Hence, we set aside an allocation amounting RM280 million even when the cost is only RM208 million. We are putting aside the remaining funds for future projects,” he added.
He noted that the investment will return to Sarawak over time given the vast potential and opportunities the project brings after its completion by year 2026.
Looking forward to the future, Abang Johari envisioned Miri Port not only able to handle various types of cargo, but also be turned into a resort that would attract tourists, potentially competing with the world’s renowned tourist destination like Dubai.
“If this area becomes a resort, it could be a rival to Dubai. They have the Palm (Jumeirah), so our port will not only welcome cargo and vessels, but also cruises that bring in tourists.
“We will build buildings, hotels there. With that, we will have a major port that is on par with Singapore,” he said, adding that this would be materialised after 2030.
Additionally, he said the Miri hinterland, which is rich in palm oil, would also benefit greatly from the port as transportation costs would be reduced, resulting in higher profit margins.
He said that the Baram Delta has also been identified as a Carbon Storage area, creating opportunities for the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) industry.
He added that the port would also feature containerisation facilities, further boosting its capacity to handle a variety of cargo.
“As for our pipeline, Sarawak will manage its own gas resources. Our gas resources are our right, despite some issues with Petronas at the moment. This means that we will develop a state gas roadmap including here in Kuala Baram, and this is one of the new industries,” he said.
He stressed that for Sarawakian to enjoy these developments, the people must remain united and support the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“As long as GPS is here, we will continue to have new ideas, which we call innovation where we constantly look for ways outside the box to develop Sarawak,” he said.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari witnessed the formal exchange of contract documents between Miri Port Authority and its joint venture partners Rimbun Prima Sdn Bhd and China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn Bhd.
Also present at the function were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Transport Minister Dato’ Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, and Miri Port Authority chairman Datuk Paulus Palu Ngumbang.
