Bintulu Port ready to drive Sarawak’s economic ambitions
Mohamad Abu Bakar handing over a plaque of appreciation to Suara Sarawak & Sarawak Tribune chief executive officer Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir. Also seen in the picture, Ruslan (left).
KUCHING: Bintulu Port is ready to support and drive Sarawak’s ambitions as the state accelerates its post pandemic recovery and positions itself for future growth.
In stating this its group chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said it will be a critical infrastructure that connects Sarawak industries to the world, be it energy, petro-chemical or clean energy.
With Bintulu Port coming under state jurisdiction he said it is about positioning the port as a key driver of Sarawak’s economic ambitions, with a renewed focus on operational excellence, strategic expansions and long term value creations.
“We are committed to ensure Bintulu Port Berhad, the operator of Bintulu Port, remains a vital gateway for trade and industrial growth and sustainable economic progress for Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said at the Bintulu Port ‘Giddy Up’ Media Appreciation Night here Sunday.
Mohamad Abu Bakar, who is State Secretary, said Bintulu Port’s strategic focus would remain on three core pillars, namely, operational excellence, growth and sustainability and stakeholder management.
He said Bintulu Port made Sarawak proud in 2024 when it achieved remarkable success, built upon a solid foundation and guided by unwavering support from the Sarawak government.
Among the achievements were The Edge One Billion Ringgit Club 2024 Award for the Highest Growth in Profit After Tax Over Three Years in the Transportation & Logistics category; Top Employer Excellence Award 2024 by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur and the Outstanding Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Leadership Award from the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific.
Also, at the Brand Laureate Best Brands Award 2024, Bintulu Port was named Brand of the Year in the Port and Maritime Services category, and earned the Platinum Award for Large Enterprise at the Bintulu Sustainability Awards (BiSA) 2024 and recognition for its Green Terminal Label Certification (GTLC), awarded by Bureau Veritas in September 2024, a testament to its dedication to environmental stewardship.
“These remarkable recognitions are a direct reflection of the strategic vision and relentless drive to deliver exceptional value, both for our stakeholders and the community,” he said.
“Our efforts have resulted in a notable 6.4 per cent growth in total cargo throughput, reaching 52 million tonnes (2024), up from 48 million tonnes (2023).
“As we look to the future, we remain confident that the continuous implementation of our strategies will foster even greater success, enabling Bintulu Port to continue its trajectory as a global player in port and maritime services.”
Mohamad Abu Bakar said the journey it has embarked on is one of innovation, resilience, and sustained excellence.
He also mentioned that the establishment of Borneo Oil and Gas Sdn Bhd marks a transformative milestone, enabling them to expand their capabilities within the integrated supply base sector, while strategically addressing the growing demand for comprehensive supply base support in Sarawak waters.
“In alignment with our strategic vision, we are actively advancing the acquisition of additional land at Samalaju Port to develop a dynamic Free Zone area.
“This initiative will empower us to offer a comprehensive suite of services, enhancing our operational capabilities. Through the acquisition of this land, we are laying the foundation for a robust, integrated infrastructure that will optimise the flow of goods and services, driving greater efficiency.
“The establishment of Free Zones not only at Samalaju Port but also at Bintulu Port will further amplify our strategic footprint. “This development will unlock new avenues for economic growth, attract significant investment, and fortify our region’s competitive position on the global stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also said that as one of the top three largest ports in Malaysia by throughput, Bintulu Port is not merely handling cargo per se, but driving transformation and redefining the future of port operations in the digital era.
“Among the digital initiatives, Bintulu Port proudly stands as the first in Sarawak to implement the Smart Barrier Gate System, which automates entry and exit processes, thereby enhancing operational efficiency, reducing waiting times, and bolstering security.
“Additionally, Bintulu Port is the pioneer in Malaysia to deploy autonomous nested drones for advanced surveillance, setting a new benchmark in technological innovation.
“The introduction of BookAjak, a centralised mobile application for seamless booking of various services, is another testament to our commitment to digital transformation, proudly developed by our own in-house talent.”
He said also in the process is the implementation of an Integrated Port Operations System, which will unify multiple port operations, significantly improving efficiency and optimising operational workflows.
Among those present at the event were Bintulu Port Holding Berhad president/group chief executive officer, Ruslan Abdul Ghani, Board Members Datuk Sharifah Halimah Tuanku Jaafar, Dr Salihin Mohamad Abang and Fauzi Suib.