|
The Sarawak state government plans to develop two more ports along its
coastlines to meet growing demand for sea outlets in tandem with the
economic development of the state.
The two locations identified for the development of the ports are at Tanjung
Po near Kuching and Pulau Sari Port near Lawas .
Disclosing this recently, the Sarawak State Minister for Infrastucture
Devlopment and Communications, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu said
the development of proposed new deep water port, Tanjung Po Port would also
overcome the physical limitations faced by Kuching and Miri ports.
Kuching is faced with a growing sand bar at its approach channel while Miri
is hampered by very low draft.
“Overcoming these constraints would be of paramount importance to ensuring
the long term viability of the state ports to cater increasing size of
vessels,” said the Minister.
The proposed Pulau Sari Port is expected to cater for the increasing oil
palm cultivation.
The proposed bulking terminal at Bukit Sari, Lawas, is expected to generate
traffic for the proposed Pulau Sari Port.
The proposed port is also expected to become the exporting point for the
palm oil from neighboring plantation, including those from Sabah.
The state government has identified 3.9 million hectares as suitable site
for oil palm cultivation.
The state government had evaluated and identified oil palm corridors in
their order of priority.
These include the Miri-Bintulu corridors, the Tatau-Sibu corridors, the Sibu-Sri
Aman corridors and areas south of Kuching division near to the Indonesian
border.
Besides the new port facilities, a crude oil palm bulk terminal will be
built at Tanjung Manis to serve the planned oil palm plantations in that
area.
In addition Senari Independent Oil Terminal is being constructed near to
Senari Port in Kuching.
“To further facilitate the movement of oil palm by road tankers the road
access to Senari Terminal of Kuching Port is currently being upgraded into a
dual carriageway.
Tanjung Manis Terminal, Rajang Port second sea outlet which is located
approximately 43 kilometers away from Sibu at the moment has no road linkage
at all.
However, once the proposed Sibu/Bawang Assan/Serdeng/Tanjong Manis road is
completed, Tanjung Manis Port will be linked directly by road to Sibu,” said
Jabu.
A crude oil palm bulk terminal will be built at Tanjung Manis to serve the
planned oil palm plantation in that area, besides the plan by Bintulu Port
to expand its bulking and port facilities. |
