From Malay Mail · · 2m
Sarawak takes control of Bintulu Port
Prime Minister Anwar and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari witness the historic handover of a major strategic port from federal to state management.
In brief
Prime Minister Anwar and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari witness the historic handover of a major strategic port from federal to state management. Bintulu Port officially transferred from federal to Sarawak state control on September 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in port management and federal-state relations…
Historic port handover witnessed
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Abang Johari observed the official transfer of Bintulu Port from federal to state government control on September 17, 2026.
Port status changes from federal to state
Bintulu Port officially changed from a federal port to a state port under Sarawak jurisdiction on September 1, 2026, following the passage of two key legislative acts in July 2024.
Four key documents transferred
The handover involved the Ports Privatisation Amendment of Schedule Order 2026, the Bintulu Port Authority Dissolution Vesting Date Order 2026, and two acts repealing federal port status and dissolving the old port authority.
New state authority takes over operations
The Bintulu Port Authority Sarawak, a state statutory body, assumed all functions previously held by the federal Bintulu Port Authority, including management of all assets and obligations.
Three-year negotiation process completed
The takeover began with Abang Johari's announcement on January 30, 2023, and concluded with a completion agreement signed on June 21, 2026, after cabinet approval and parliamentary passage.
Sarawak pays 1.8 billion ringgit
The federal and Sarawak governments agreed on a takeover value of 1.8 billion ringgit on February 4, 2026, with Sarawak issuing a cheque to the federal government in Bintulu.
Transport minister represents federal side
Transport Minister Anthony Loke represented the federal government at the handover ceremony, while Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah Embas represented the state government.
All assets and obligations transferred
Effective September 1, 2026, all assets, rights, interests and obligations of the federal Bintulu Port Authority were transferred and vested in the Sarawak government.
The big picture
Bintulu Port officially transferred from federal to Sarawak state control on September 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in port management and federal-state relations.
