KUCHING, August 3: : A promising collaboration between Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Tourism (MLIT) and Sarawak is set to revolutionise port operations in the region, elevating efficiency to new heights.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, revealed that Japan’s deep insights have been invaluable in progressively and sustainably enhancing Sarawak’s port management, aligning perfectly with the state’s pursuit of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He added discussions with key figures in Japan’s port management focused on various avenues for improving ports, including reducing transportation costs, implementing innovative technologies to address manpower challenges, and enhancing overall port efficiency.
“We are excited about the potential collaboration with MLIT to bolster Sarawak’s port operations, making them more efficient and competitive in the near future.
“Our discussions also centered on improving port efficiency as a key component of promoting global efficiency,” said Uggah in a statement after paying a courtesy call to Japan’s Director-General of Ports and Harbours, Inada Mashiro, as part of his five-day study tour in Japan.
During the courtesy call Inada revealed that Japan currently manages over 1,000 ports. Among these, 10 hold the distinction of being classified as International Bulk Strategic Ports, two as International Container Hubs, and another 100 as major ports.
The remaining ports, managed by respective prefectures, primarily cater to fisheries and smaller cargo operations.
Deputy Premier Uggah, who also serves as the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), was accompanied by a delegation including MIPD’s Deputy Ministers Dato Majang Renggi and Ir. Aidel Lariwoo, the State Financial Secretary Dato Sri Dr Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, MIPD Permanent Secretary Chiew Chee Yau, the Director of Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Lester Matthew, Chin Hui Seng, Coordinator for Samalaju Port Authority, and Davin Marcus Raja, the Special Administrative Officer to Uggah.
As the collaboration gains momentum, Sarawak eagerly anticipates the positive transformation of its ports, ushering in an era of enhanced efficiency and progress. – TVS
