TOKYO, Aug 2: Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, is currently leading a delegation on a five-day study tour to two Japanese ports, aimed at gaining valuable insights into their management and operation systems to enhance efficiency at Samalaju Port.
The tour, which commenced on Monday, proved fruitful as Uggah’s delegation engaged in comprehensive briefings and exchanged ideas with representatives from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) and OHBT Corporation Japan, the port operator at the Port of Onahama.
The discussions revolved around port operations, new technologies, and business models, focusing on the collaboration between the private and public sectors.
During their visit, the delegation also gained insights into road technology management in Chiba Prefecture.
A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD) highlighted that the discussions with Japanese stakeholders aimed to identify observations and recommendations to further elevate the efficiency of Samalaju Port.
Accompanying Uggah were MIPD Deputy Ministers Datuk Majang Renggi and Ir Aidel Lariwoo, the Ministry Permanent Secretary Chiew Chee Yaw, the Director of Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU) Lester Matthew, and members of the Board of Directors from Samalaju Port Authority, including Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon.
The delegation was also invited by the Ports and Harbours Bureau, MLIT, to visit the Port of Onahama. Situated approximately 200km from Tokyo, along the coast of Iwaki-shi in Fukushima Prefecture, the Port of Onahama is a versatile port, handling various types of cargo such as dry and liquid bulk, containers, machinery, Ro-Ro, forest products, and providing berthing space for fishing vessels and marina facilities.
In 2022, the Port of Onahama handled approximately 16.09 million tons of cargo, experiencing a slight decrease from the previous year.
As the study tour continues, the delegation’s next destination is the Port of Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, continuing their pursuit of knowledge and insights from industry leaders. – TVS
