KUCHING, Aug 27: Samalaju Industrial Port is set for a major expansion to boost capacity, reinforce its role as a deep-water industrial port, and strengthen Sarawak’s position in the global supply chain following 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).
The agreement, officiated today by Deputy Minister for Port Development Dato Majang Renggi, marked a milestone in Sarawak’s journey toward becoming a leading regional trade and logistics hub under its Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
Majang emphasised that this ceremony is not merely an exchange of agreement but the result of careful planning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment.
“The development of Samalaju Industrial Port as a deep-water facility was always envisioned to play a vital role in serving the logistics and export-import needs of industries within the vicinity,” he said in a media release.
The additional land at Lots 83 and 312 will allow SIPSB to establish new facilities, Free Zones, and modern logistics solutions, enabling seamless connectivity for investors, traders, and manufacturers operating in the Samalaju Industrial Park.
Established as part of Sarawak’s long-term vision to create a world-class industrial hub, the industrial park is positioned to attract investors, generate employment, and promote economic diversification.
The expansion also aligns with PCDS 2030, which identifies the development of deep-sea ports and Free Industrial Zones as critical infrastructure priorities. By strengthening port infrastructure, Sarawak aims to capture opportunities in renewable energy, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing, contributing to its aspiration of achieving high-income economy status by 2030.
The collaboration between SIPSB and SPA underscores the power of public-private partnerships in driving strategic development, ensuring Sarawak remains competitive in global trade while creating prosperity for its people.
Meanwhile, Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), the parent company of SIPSB, is also advancing its Free Zone initiatives at both Samalaju and Bintulu ports. At Samalaju, SIPSB’s Phase 1 Free Zone has secured support from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), with regulatory processes underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Royal Customs Malaysia. The Free Zone is envisioned to become a future green hub for industries.
In line with Sarawak’s sustainability agenda, BPHB has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global partners to explore hydrogen, bioLNG, and bioethanol opportunities, reflecting the Sarawak’s push to transform its ports into platforms for renewable energy and sustainable growth.