KUCHING, May 7: The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today passed the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill, which will place five ports in Sarawak under one centralised port authority.
The bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, was passed unanimously after the third reading.
It was debated by 20 members of the august House, who gave their full support, including the opposition bloc led by Padungan Assemblyman, Chong Chieng Jen, and Pending Assemblywoman, Violet Yong Wui Wui.
Uggah, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, in his winding up speech expressed gratitude for all assemblymen who debated the bill while simultaneously putting forward suggestions for the authority’s implementation.
Previously, Uggah said the bill will expand the functions of the Sarawak Port Authority including planning and coordinating the development, expansion and improvement of ports in Sarawak.
“To encourage and facilitate the development of port businesses and their hinterland areas and connectivity with other ports and transportation hubs outside of Sarawak, licensing all port operators and port operators.
“Among others, promoting efficiency and reliability of services and facilities according to international standards and recognized best practices, acting as the authority for any free zones established under and subject to section 3(2) of the Free Zones Act 1990, and adopting low-carbon solutions in port company management and operations,” he said.
Uggah said the authority’s powers have been expanded in accordance with the provisions outlined in Schedule Two of the Bill, allowing it to engage in activities that align with and suitably fulfill its functions under the applicable laws.
With the enactment of the Bill, the Port Authority Ordinance 1961 will be repealed; however, legislation made under the repealed ordinance shall continue in force until revoked or replaced by new subsidiary legislation under the new law.-TVS
