Tiong: Bintulu Port transfer to boost Sarawak’s position as economic powerhouse
Tiong (third right) poses for a commemorative photograph with the top leaders, senior ministers and government officials.
BINTULU (June 22): The transfer of Bintulu Port from the federal government to the Sarawak government is set to strengthen Sarawak’s position as a major economic powerhouse and open up greater investment and employment opportunities, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said the handover marks a new chapter in Sarawak’s development journey and reflects the state’s growing economic capabilities.
“Today (June 21), I had the privilege of witnessing a historic milestone with the cheque handover ceremony marking the transition of Bintulu Port from a federal port to a state port under the administration of Sarawak,” he said in a Facebook post.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who arrived in Bintulu for the ceremony, was warmly welcomed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and members of the Sarawak leadership.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said the return of the port’s administration to Sarawak would further reinforce Bintulu’s strategic role as a leading industrial, energy and logistics hub in the region.
He added that the transition is expected to attract more investments, create quality jobs and spur regional economic growth.
He noted that the transfer reflected the strong commitment and close cooperation between the federal and Sarawak governments in advancing national development.
Echoing Abang Johari’s sentiments, he said the development of Bintulu Port itself had been made possible through close collaboration between both governments.
According to Tiong, the transition symbolises Sarawak’s continued progress as it embarks on a new phase of economic development.
“It is not merely a transfer of administrative authority, but an important milestone in Sarawak’s development story,” he said.
Tiong expressed confidence that the close partnership between Putrajaya and the Sarawak government would continue to yield meaningful outcomes for the people and ensure long-term prosperity.
He added that sustained cooperation between both governments would be crucial in driving future development initiatives and strengthening Sarawak’s standing as one of Malaysia’s key economic engines.