Posted on March 3, 2020
KUCHING: Dredging or excavating of the Sarawak River is expected to be completed by June this year, says Kuching Port Authority (KPA) chairman Datuk Awang Bemee Ali Basah.
He said the project, which was supposed to be completed last year, was delayed due to several factors.
“Based on the report we received, the delay was caused by factors that included the weather such as the rainy season as well as deposit in some areas which were quite bad,” he said when met after welcoming Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi on his working visit to KPA here yesterday.
According to him, the federal project is listed under the contract of the Ministry of Transport and is being implemented by the Malaysian Marine Department (JLS).
“The implementer has been given time to complete the project by June 10, 2020. They are confident of completing the project within the time frame and we are also confident that it can be achieved.”
He also said all challenges have been identified by the executor and action will be taken accordingly.
He expressed his confidence that the completion of the project will facilitate and bring benefits to those who use the Sarawak River particularly those involved in big logistics.
“With this, bigger ships can enter and this will facilitate their route including faster turnaround time thus contributing to cost reduction,” he said.
On the development of the shipping industry, Awang Bemee said KPA is constantly improving its performance and services through cooperation with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Developments.
“KPA is also proud to be able to load up to 100 cars in an hour, which is one of the best in the world and 23 containers in an hour, which is by world standard,” he said.
He said KPA in its long-term plan hoped that Sarawak, specifically its southern region, will have its own deep port to transform the port industry.
He explained that a study on the needs of the port is currently being carried out by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development.
“We would also like to inform that the state government through the same ministry has provided more than RM30 million for the Vessel Traffic Management System of the Sarawak River.
“This is another effort to improve our services to consumers for a safer route and to manage logistics more effectively” he said.
Source: theborneopost.com
