Bintulu Port Targets Fully Digital Operations By 2030
KUCHING: Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB) is pressing ahead with its digital transformation drive, setting its sights on becoming a fully digital port by 2030.
BPHB President and Group Chief Executive Officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani said a series of strategic initiatives has been rolled out over the past three years to modernise port operations in step with global technological advances.
He said the transformation began with the implementation of a smart gate system equipped with vehicle licence plate recognition technology, streamlining traffic flow in and out of the port precinct.
“At present, we are installing a port operating system similar to that used in Shanghai, including at Yangshan Phase 4.
“The system allows for comprehensive operational integration and introduces more advanced and efficient work processes for both customers and management,” he said when met by reporters after the Bintulu Port Media Appreciation Night 2026, here on Wednesday.
Present to enliven the event was Sarawak Secretary and BPHB Chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.
Dato Ruslan added that Bintulu Port has also introduced a marine management system to oversee vessel movements more systematically, alongside enhanced security surveillance through closed-circuit television (CCTV) installations and the deployment of drone technology.
“We have implemented drone operations, including the nested drone concept, and Bintulu Port is the first in Malaysia to adopt this technology,” he said.
Providing an update on progress, he said the port operating system has been in place at Samalaju Industrial Port since September last year and is expected to be fully implemented at Bintulu Port by April this year.
The company is also developing digital twin technology for port operations.
If realised soon, Bintulu Port could rank among the earliest ports in Malaysia to apply the technology.
In a separate development, Dato Ruslan said the port has remained somewhat insulated from global economic uncertainty, including tariff issues involving the United States, as its reliance on the US market is limited.
To date, Bintulu Port's growth remains driven by strong ties with China, Japan, and several European countries, while exports handled at Samalaju Industrial Port are largely destined for East Asian markets such as China and Japan.
“If those countries are affected by US tariffs, we may indirectly feel the impact. However, over the past year, we have not observed any significant disruption to port operations,” he added. -UKASnews
