MPA chairman Paulus Palu Ngumbang said the authority has been advised to proceed with project funding through a commercial loan.

He said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas approved the project during a recent briefing by MPA’s board and management team.

“I strongly believe with high commitment and hard work shown by the board, management team, and all staff of Miri Port Authority, we will be able to obtain the commercial loan and kick off the project by mid-2023.

“This project once completed shall be the catalyst of economic growth in Miri and the northern region of Sarawak,” he said in his address for the MPA Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year Gathering 2023 last night.

The Batu Danau assemblyman said once constraints due to the shallow access channel are resolved, the port will be poised to effectively play its major catalytic role of economic growth for Miri in supporting various industries including oil and gas, palm oil, ship building and repairs, and timber.

Paulus praised MPA for being able to maintain and sustain its excellent performance by intensifying its business activities despite the challenges of the past years.

“Though the 2022 financial accounts are not finalised yet, I was made to understand that Miri Port registered a decrease in cargo handled in 2022, mainly because of the shallow access channel constraint and the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But I am extremely happy to note that Miri Port had increased its total revenue, especially from the Miri Port Authority Crew Change Terminal (MPACCT) operations at Pulau Melayu, which had recorded (unaudited) revenue of about RM14 million last year,” he said.

Paulus said MPA is expected to further increase its revenue in future once all its ongoing projects are completed.

“With some projects still in the pipeline such as Sabah and Sarawak Gas Pipelines (SSGP) Port dues, Ship to Ship Transfer Operation (STS), proposal to establish MPA’s Pilotage Services, Bunkering Operation and etc, it is anticipated that these will further increase Miri Port’s revenue in years to come,” he said.

He added the government had also begun a Master Plan Study at MPA this year with the objective of enabling the port to become a catalyst for the Northern Region Trade Gateway and to provide efficient port services to all users.

MPA general manager Serawa Budol said the authority had numerous achievements last year, including winning the Master Entrepreneurs and Corporate Excellence Award 2022 from Asia Pacific Enterprise.

“MPA was also champion in the 10th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2021/2022 under the Government Sector Category,” she said.

During the event, Paulus also presented employee excellence awards (APC) to 10 MPA staff from different sections and departments.