Bintulu’s port-led ecosystem strengthens case for TIC growth
Ruslan (fourth left) during his sharing session at the APGH 2026 on Thursday.
KUCHING (June 12): Bintulu’s position as a transition industrial cluster is underpinned by its expanding port infrastructure, available industrial land and access to energy resources, according to industry leaders speaking at a panel discussion on transitioning industrial clusters in Asean.
Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad group chief executive officer, Datuk Ruslan Abdul Ghani said the recognition of Bintulu as one of the Transitioning Industrial Clusters (TIC) was earned through decades of contribution to Sarawak’s economic development during his sharing session at the Asian Pacific Green Hyrogen (APGH),2026, conference and exhibition.
He noted that Bintulu was among 39 clusters recognised under the initiative, with only a limited number located in Asia.
“Bintulu has given significant contributions to the state and to Malaysia all these years, and that recognition did not come as a gift,” he said.
Ruslan said Bintulu Port and Samalaju Port currently handle about 80 per cent of Sarawak’s cargo volume, amounting to more than 55 million tonnes annually.
He described Bintulu Port as one of the most integrated ports in the region, having evolved from supporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports more than four decades ago into a diversified operation serving multiple industries.
“Today we are not just providing services. We want to become a fully integrated service and solution provider connecting passion and delivering value responsibly,” he said.
According to Ruslan, the port operator continues to see significant room for expansion, with large portions of land within both port areas still available for future development.
At Bintulu Port, he said 254 hectares remain to be developed, while Samalaju Port retains substantial undeveloped land that will benefit from its newly awarded free zone status.
He said the free zone designation for Samalaju Port creates new opportunities for industrial development and investment.
“We still have about 60 per cent of the land yet to be developed, and that will be developed in accordance with the free zone status,” he said.
The company has also acquired an additional 544 hectares from the Sarawak government for the development of an industrial park.
Ruslan said discussions with potential investors consistently revolve around several key requirements, namely land, water, power, port facilities and skilled manpower.
“These are the ecosystem requirements that investors are looking for when they come to Bintulu,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s access to renewable energy resources strengthens the region’s attractiveness as an industrial destination.
The availability of supporting infrastructure, together with port connectivity and industrial land, positions Bintulu to support future industrial growth, he said.
Ruslan stressed that the efficiency of port operations remains critical to the wider industrial ecosystem.
“If we are not able to provide the efficiency, we will not be able to play an integral role and be able to develop the future of the transition industrial cluster,” he said.
He added that the relationship between ports and industry is mutually dependent.
“Without the port, the industry will not grow. Similarly, without the industry, the port will not be there,” he said.
Industry representatives at the discussion highlighted the importance of coordinated infrastructure planning and collaboration among stakeholders in supporting the long-term development of industrial clusters across the region.