Bintulu Port regulatory transfer to Sarawak a major MA63 milestone, says minister
By Nancy Lai on June 21, 2026, Sunday at 4:55 PM
Mustapha says the move, finalised under the leadership of Anwar, not only recognises Sarawak’s rights and position as a founding partner of Malaysia but also reinforces the spirit of cooperation underpinning MA63 implementation. — Bernama photo
KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The transfer of regulatory authority over Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government marks one of the most significant milestones in the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and reflects a successful “win-win” approach between Sarawak and the federal government, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.
He said the move, finalised under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, not only recognises Sarawak’s rights and position as a founding partner of Malaysia but also reinforces the spirit of cooperation underpinning MA63 implementation.
“The transfer of regulatory authority over Bintulu Port to Sarawak is among the most significant achievements in the implementation of MA63 since the formation of Malaysia.
“It demonstrates that the agreement can be implemented through cooperation that benefits both Sarawak and the Federation,” he said in a statement.
Mustapha said Sarawak would gain a greater role in managing its strategic assets, while Malaysia as a whole would benefit from the development of a world-class logistics, industrial and green energy hub capable of driving future economic growth.
He said the Madani Government had translated its commitment to MA63 into concrete legislative action through the passage of the Bintulu Port Authority (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024 in Parliament on July 15, 2024.
According to him, the legislation opens a new chapter in Federal-Sarawak relations by granting the state a larger role in the management of its strategic assets.
Mustapha said the transformation of Bintulu Port should be viewed beyond the interests of a single state, noting that the facility is evolving from Malaysia’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hub into a major centre for industry, logistics and green energy in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Bintulu Port is no longer merely an LNG export hub. It is developing into a strategic industrial, logistics and green energy centre that will play an increasingly important role in Malaysia’s future economic landscape,” he said.
He added that ongoing modernisation efforts, including digitalisation, automation and improvements in operational efficiency, would help ensure the port remains competitive amid changing global economic conditions.
The initiatives are also aligned with Malaysia’s aspiration of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through more sustainable and environmentally friendly operations.
Mustapha said Bintulu’s strategic location, coupled with Sarawak’s vast renewable energy resources, particularly large-scale hydroelectric power, has strengthened its appeal to international investors seeking low-carbon operating environments.
“This creates tremendous potential for Sarawak to emerge as a regional hub for green industries, clean energy and high-value manufacturing,” he said.
He stressed that MA63 implementation should not be viewed as a reduction of federal authority, but rather as a strengthening of the Federation through recognition of the rights, roles and potential of Sabah and Sarawak as founding partners.
“The implementation of MA63 is not about the federal government losing power. It is about strengthening the Federation by recognising the legitimate rights and contributions of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Mustapha added that the Madani Government would continue working closely with the Sarawak government led by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to ensure development translates into tangible benefits for the people through job creation, increased investments, modern infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.