Posted on December 9, 2024
KUCHING (Dec 8): The Kuala Baram access channel dredging works in Miri should be completed by the end of 2026, ahead of the planned schedule in March 2027, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
According to the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, the dredging works to deepen the access channel to the Miri Port terminal at Kuala Baram currently stands at 3.5 per cent ahead of schedule.
“I am satisfied with this as it shows the dredging work is progressing smoothly.
“The contractors had done about 300m length of a bund,” he said following a site visit last Saturday (Dec 7).
Uggah disclosed that a discussion was held with the port and company consultants to relook at their work plans and speed up the construction process.
The joint venture project that cost RM208.9 million also includes the building of two 6-kilometre training bunds in waters over 25-metres deep.
“With these two bunds, this will allow for effective flushing of the dredged channel, whereby currently, the shallow access to the Miri port terminal has resulted in severe navigational safety hazards to ships,” he said.
Additionally, he said this project would transform Kuala Baram as one of the strategic deep sea port locations in Sarawak, contributing to the growth of industries operating in the Kuala Baram industrial estate and the northern zone of the state, in general.
“With a deeper access channel, Miri Port will be able to fully use its designated capacity of handling 3.5 million tonnes of cargoes annually.
“In addition, this will greatly facilitate shipping efficiency which in turn will create many job opportunities,” said Uggah, who is also the second minister for Finance and New Economy.
Joining him during the visit were his ministry’s permanent secretary Datu Chiew Chee Yaw, Miri Port Authority general manager Sarawa Budol, and the company’s team of consultants.
