KUCHING: Sarawak is targeting a market of 700 million ASEAN residents through the development of the modern Tanjung Embang Port and strategic logistics infrastructure to strengthen the state's position as a regional trade hub.

According to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, Sarawak's strategic position in the heart of the ASEAN region gives the state a major advantage to emerge as one of the key players in the ASEAN trade and logistics sector.

“We are in the middle of 11 countries in ASEAN, so the market we are targeting is not just 2.8 million residents but 700 million ASEAN residents.

“We are capable of serving that 700 million market because other ports are located further away, whereas we are right in the middle of this region. So our future lies there because the strengths we possess will make us more competitive and subsequently emerge as one of the key players in ASEAN,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) 65th Anniversary Dinner at a leading hotel here on Friday.

He added that Sarawak's proximity to China, Hong Kong, and Korea also provides a strategic advantage to the state in strengthening international trade networks.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Premier shared that operations at Senari Port will eventually relocate to Tanjung Embang Port, given that the former may no longer accommodate the increase in cargo resulting from Sarawak's economic growth.

He further explained that the planned Tanjung Embang Port will be located about 20 kilometres out at sea with a depth of between 13 to 16 metres, allowing large vessels to berth without obstruction.

“So Senari will move further out later on, where they will relocate way out at sea,” he remarked.

Also present were the Sarawak Premier’s daughter Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, President of the Dewan Negara Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Ministers for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak Datuk Ir. Aidel Lariwoo and Datuk Majang Renggi, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, General Manager of the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) Robert Lau Hong Thiam and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos By: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Ryan Lim