KUCHING: A major step in Sarawak’s journey towards becoming a leading regional trade and logistics hub was achieved with the exchange of Sublease and Supplementary Agreements for Lot 83 and Lot 312 between Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd (SIPSB) and the Samalaju Port Authority (SPA) today.
The agreement, officiated by Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Port Development), Datuk Majang Renggi, marks a milestone in the expansion of Samalaju Industrial Port.
This land allocation will allow SIPSB to expand its port capacity, strengthen Sarawak’s position in the global supply chain, and support the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
The expansion reinforces Samalaju’s role as a deep-water industrial port, designed to facilitate the logistics, import and export needs of industries within the Samalaju Industrial Park.
“Today’s ceremony is not merely an exchange of agreement – it is the result of careful planning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment.
“The development of Samalaju Industrial Port as a deepwater facility was always envisioned to play a vital role in serving the logistics and export-import needs of industries within the vicinity.” said Majang in his speech.
“The Samalaju Industrial Park was established as part of Sarawak’s long-term vision to create a world-class industrial hub that generates employment, attracts investors, and promotes economic diversification.
“The additional land at Lots 83 and 312 provides SIPSB with the opportunity to establish new facilities, Free Zones and modern logistics solutions enabling seamless global connectivity for investors, traders and manufacturers,” he said.
The expansion aligns directly with PCDS 2030, which identifies the development of deep-sea ports and Free Industrial Zones as strategic infrastructure priorities.
By strengthening port infrastructure, Sarawak positions itself to capitalise on emerging opportunities in renewable energy, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing, all of which will contribute to achieving high-income economy status by 2030.
The collaboration between SIPSB and SPA also reflects the power of public-private partnership as a catalyst for meaningful development. It ensures Sarawak remains competitive in global trade while continuing to deliver prosperity and opportunities for its people.
Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd (BPHB) is also making strong headway in its Free Zone initiatives at Samalaju Port and Bintulu Port.
At Samalaju, SIPSB Phase 1 has secured support from the Economic Planning Unit, with regulatory processes underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Royal Customs Malaysia.
The Free Zone will serve as a future green hub for industries.
Aligned with Sarawak’s sustainability agenda, BPHB has also signed MoUs with global leaders to explore hydrogen, bioLNG, and bioethanol opportunities at both ports.
“These efforts underscore the Group’s commitment to transforming its ports into platforms for renewable energy and sustainable growth, while positioning Sarawak as a competitive regional hub,” he said.