BINTULU: The Sarawak Government on Sunday finalised a payment amounting to RM1.8 billion to the Federal Government through the presentation of a symbolic cheque in conjunction with the signing of the Completion Agreement, subsequently marking a historic moment in the status change of Bintulu Port into a state port.

The symbolic presentation of the cheque by Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became the pinnacle of the Bintulu Port Status Change Cheque Presentation Ceremony.

The Sarawak Premier stated that the ceremony marks the completion of another crucial step in the takeover process of the strategic port after undergoing various negotiations and meticulous preparations between the Sarawak Government and the Federal Government.

“Through the signing of the Completion Agreement and the handover of the cheque amounting to RM1.8 billion, we complete another important step in the status change of Bintulu Port,” he said.

He said this while speaking during the ceremony, which was also witnessed by the Prime Minister alongside the leadership lineups of both the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government.

The historic ceremony is seen as highly capable of strengthening Bintulu Port's position as a major catalyst for Sarawak's economic growth, while enhancing the state's capacity to plan the development of its maritime, trade, and logistics sectors more strategically.

Earlier, the Prime Minister,m and Sarawak Premier attended a visit to the Observation Deck before viewing a special montage presentation showcasing the journey and strategic importance of Bintulu Port to the state's development.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Sri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Federal and Sarawak Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, deputy ministers, heads of departments, and local community leaders. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Firdaus Materang
Photos by: Mohamad Rais & Jemat Marin
Translator: Ryan Lim