{"id":21310,"date":"2023-06-23T03:02:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T19:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v3\/?p=21310"},"modified":"2023-12-04T20:46:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T12:46:13","slug":"steering-towards-a-more-competitive-port-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rakansarawak.com\/v4\/2023\/06\/23\/steering-towards-a-more-competitive-port-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"Steering Towards a More Competitive Port Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This year (2023), the Sarawak Government is embarking on a mission to transform its port services with its very own port master plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first step<\/a> in developing this long-term plan is to conduct a study, which will be led by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) and will begin with Miri Port Authority (Miri Port).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With an allocation of RM4 million under the 12th<\/sup> Malaysia Plan, the study focuses on improving the efficiency and safety of port services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It encompasses port consolidation; installation of Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS), Aids to Navigation (AtoN) facility and cranes; as well as dredging works and exploration of new business opportunities, among other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative is part of broader efforts to achieve a high-income, developed Sarawak by 2023 via Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 by developing and enhancing all of the State\u2019s ports.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
The Government is also planning to form a centralised port authority to better manage the development of all ports under the State’s purview. File photo<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ports are crucial for a nation\u2019s progress, more so in developing ones, given their prominent role in enabling trade and supporting supply chains. Globally<\/a>, over 80 per cent of traded goods is transported via sea routes and handled by these maritime facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those with high-quality infrastructure, when operated efficiently, are able to attract investment that can potentially enhance production and distribution systems, subsequently driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and raising income levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At a time where sustainability is a priority<\/a> for many governments worldwide, they are also essential in supporting crisis response, protecting and conserving the environment, as well as empowering women port workers in order to achieve gender equality in the port sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Sarawak, the Government is aware of and thus recognises how important ports are in the State\u2019s overall development. It is especially prevalent when MIPD was renamed from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the development of the port master plan is in motion, it is learning from experiences of other countries in port management. For example<\/a>, ports in Rotterdam (the Netherlands), Shanghai (China) and Adelaide (Australia) will serve as references for Miri Port in its expansion plan.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
The Sarawak Government will conduct a study on developing the State’s port master plan, beginning with Miri Port Authority. Photo from APAC Outlook<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

It comes as the Government has approved an allocation of more than RM230 million<\/a> to deepen Kuala Baram Delta to reduce congestion at the port, and in the long run transform Miri into an economic hub on par with Bintulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, during the recent Dewan Undangan Negeri <\/em>(DUN) sitting in May 2023, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed<\/a> that plans are underway to establish a centralised port authority called Sarawak Ports Authority, involving a restructuring exercise of State port authorities namely Kuching, Tanjung Manis, Rajang, Samalaju and Miri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe function is to regulate, streamline, and coordinate the management, operation, planning, and development of all ports to ensure that each of the port plays its niche role in promoting trade and business,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relatively, he stated that efforts are undertaken by the Government to take over Bintulu Port from the Federal Government through negotiations under the MA63 agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By shifting jurisdictions from federal to state, the port can be included in the upcoming centralised port authority, further strengthening the port sector\u2019s ability to contribute or even accelerate future development in Sarawak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the Need for a Port Master Plan?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Port master planning is not a new initiative; various port around the world \u2013 from as far as the United States<\/a>, Mexico<\/a> and the United Kingdom<\/a> to as near as Thailand<\/a> and Singapore<\/a> \u2013 have developed their own port master plans for similar reasons. Among them include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n