Bintulu Port has officially returned to Sarawak’s jurisdiction after 48 years under the federal government’s regulatory framework.
KUALA LUMPUR: Bintulu Port has officially returned to Sarawak's jurisdiction after 48 years under the federal government's regulatory framework.
In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd (BPHB) said the transition took effect on Sept 1 following the coming into force of two federal laws.
The laws are 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 was declared a federal port in 1978 and became operational in 1983. It subsequently grew into the largest container port in Sabah and Sarawak, and Malaysia's sole LNG export gateway.
BPHB's unit Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd will continue to operate, manage and develop the port under Sarawak's regulatory framework.
The operations are governed by a heads of agreement dated July 27 between the Sarawak government, Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) and BPSB, pending the execution of a port operation concession agreement.
BPHB said the Sarawak Infrastructure and Port Development Ministry had notified it on June 23 that the state government had approved in principle its appointment as the approved port operator under Section 12(2)(a) of the Port Authorities Ordinance, 1961.
The transition also ends the previous federal operating arrangements.
BPHB said the privatisation agreement dated Dec 31, 1992, the fourth interim agreement dated Dec 22, 2025, and related federal arrangements ceased to have effect from Sept 1.
Under a tripartite agreement dated June 21, Sarawak and BPSB also agreed to release the federal government from claims arising from or connected to the privatisation agreement.
BPHB said it would work with the Sarawak government, BPA Sarawak and relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of port operations.