KUCHING: Sarawak marks a historic achievement by becoming the first state in Malaysia to hand over funds totaling RM1.8 billion to the Federal Government to take over the management of Bintulu Port, which is Malaysia's main Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) port and one of the most important in the region.

Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the experience of receiving funds from a state government was something that had never happened during his tenure as Finance Minister, both before and since becoming Prime Minister.

"This is the first time this has happened, I feel like I'm in a dream because I've never received a cheque from a state before, so it gives me incredible excitement.

"I believe that when a state is managed well, understands the principles of proper governance and is led by responsible and proficient leaders, the results will definitely be visible.

"I salute Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg and his team for successfully proving their capabilities," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Celebration Dinner 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), on Sunday.

Present at the ceremony were the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

Also present were Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari and his daughter Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari.

According to Dato Seri Anwar, the handover of Bintulu Port did not experience any difficulties in being brought to the Cabinet because Sarawak currently has sufficient capacity, expertise and workforce to operate the nation’s main LNG port.

He added that Transport Minister Anthony Loke had discussed with Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas before submitting the relevant bill, which was ultimately approved.

Now I am grateful because the signs of confidence, rapport and unity between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government is the handing over the management of Bintulu Port to Sarawak," he said. -UKASnews

Prepared By: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photo: Ibanez Jeffery & George Embie
Translator: Nerissa Sia