KUCHING, June 21 2026: Sarawak today officially took over Bintulu Port from federal government after the Sarawak government handed over a vesting payment of RM1.8 billion to the federal government.
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The payment marked the completion of the transfer of ownership, assets and responsibilities from the federal government to the state government,
Premier Abang Johari Openg handed over a cheque for the amount to Prime Ministeri Anwar Ibrahim following the signing of the Tripartite Agreement and Completion Agreement between the federal government, the Sarawak government and Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd at Menara Kidurong, today.
The Tripartite Agreement details the release of responsibilities, protection from claims or liabilities and management of existing obligations following the change in status of Bintulu Port, while the Completion Agreement forms the basis for the finalisation and orderly transfer of rights, assets, responsibilities and obligations in accordance with Section 12 of the Bintulu Port Authority (Dissolution) Act 2024.
The RM1.8 billion payment agreed by the federal government and the Sarawak government is the value of the vesting or transfer of ownership of the Bintulu Port Authority's land, property and assets to the Sarawak Government.
In his speech at the handing over ceremony, the prime minister said the successful completion of the acquisition proves the commitment of the federal and Sarawak government in implementing matters enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Today is a historic day because what we promised based on the Constitution and the spirit of MA63 can be fulfilled through understanding, trust and a strong working relationship between the Federal Government and the Sarawak Government,” Anwar said.
He said the transition process was achieved through mature and constructive negotiations without any pressure, thus becoming a model of cooperation between the state and federal governments in resolving issues of national interest.
He also described Sarawak as a new economic power that is increasingly emerging in the region through the development of the energy sector, high technology, green economy and competitive resource-based industries.
Abang Johari, in his speech, said the acquisition of Bintulu Port had historical significance because the port was originally under state jurisdiction before its management was taken over by the federal government to enable the development of the port project using loans guaranteed by the federal government.
“At that time, Sarawak needed financing of about RM400 million from the Asian Development Bank and the loan guarantee could only be provided by the federal government, hence both parties agreed that this port would be developed and managed by the federal government,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, federal Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah were among those present at the handing over ceremony.
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