The transfer of Bintulu Port from federal to Sarawak state control is in its final stages, the Dewan Rakyat was informed today.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the RM1.8 billion transfer requires several legal procedures to be completed. He dismissed concerns that the deal would strain Sarawak’s finances, noting that the payment was mutually agreed upon and well within the state’s capacity.
“The Sarawak government is not worried. I am confident in their financial standing,” Loke said in response to Oscar Ling (PH-Sibu) regarding the port transfer and total payment. “In fact, they wish to pay the full amount in a lump sum,” he added during the parliamentary Q&A session.
Currently, Bintulu Port remains under the federal Bintulu Port Authority until the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act comes into force. A technical committee, co-chaired by federal and state representatives, is finalising the legal framework to ensure both parties meet their obligations, Loke said. He also clarified that no private companies are involved in the transaction.
Responding to Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN-Jerantut) on whether full details of the RM1.8 billion deal would be shared with a Parliamentary Special Committee, Loke said disclosure depends on both governments. “Valuation aspects are still being refined by technical, special, and working committees before finalisation. As this is an agreement between the federal and state governments, it is up to both parties whether to disclose the details,” he said, adding that the Transport Ministry has nothing to hide and is handling the process transparently.
