Bintulu Port comes under Sarawak jurisdiction following repeal of federal Acts

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — Bintulu Port has officially transitioned from a federal port to a state port under the jurisdiction of the Sarawak government, effective September 1, 2026.

Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd (BPHB) said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia that the transition follows the enactment of two acts — the Declaration of an Area in the Bintulu District to be a Federal Port (Repeal) Act 2024 [Act 858] and the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024 [Act 859].

It said Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd’s (BPSB) operation, management and development of Bintulu Port are governed by the heads of agreement dated July 27, 2026, entered into between the Sarawak government, Bintulu Port Authority (Sarawak) (BPA Sarawak) and BPSB, pending the execution of the Port Operation Concession Agreement (POCA).

“The Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, Sarawak, vide letter reference MIPD/700-12/1/1(47) on June 23, 2026, has notified BPSB, a wholly owned subsidiary of BPHB, that the government has approved in principle the appointment of BPSB as the approved port operator for Bintulu Port under Section 12(2)(a) of the Port Authorities Ordinance, 1961,” it said.

It added that the transition will not affect the day-to-day operations of Bintulu Port or the continuity of services to customers, port users and other stakeholders.

It said BPSB remains the operator of Bintulu Port and all port operations and services will continue without any interruption under the state regulatory framework.

“The board views the transition as a significant milestone for BPHB and BPSB.

“BPHB will continue to work closely with the state government of Sarawak, BPA Sarawak and all relevant authorities to support a smooth transition and maintain the stability, efficiency and continuity of port operations,” it said. — Bernama