THE federal government is ready to discuss with Sarawak regarding the state’s desire to take back Bintulu Port, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.

He said the discussion will be held in the spirit of the unity government but has not received an official report from the Sarawak government regarding its intention.

Loke said for the port to be handed over to the Sarawak government, it needs to go through various legal processes but his ministry welcomes joint discussions.

“Any possibility, anything can be discussed and negotiated. I understand what aspirations the Sarawak government has. I do not rule out discussion and we are open but it will require a lot of processes because Bintulu Port is a federal port. 

“A federal port is regulated through an act under parliament. Jurisdiction and regulation of the port are under the federal government through the Ministry of Transport,” he told reporters today. 

Earlier, it was reported that the Sarawak government will discuss with Putrajaya to take back Bintulu Port, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the federal government. 

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg said the move would enable Bintulu Port to be administered and further developed as a state port in accordance with the strategy drawn up for ports in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Loke said the development of a proposed third mega port in Selangor, which is on Carey Island, Kuala Langat, will be carefully discussed at the cabinet level. 

He said based on a feasibility study carried out by the Port Klang Authority for two years starting in 2019, it found that the area was suitable to be used as a third port after the North Port and West Port.

He said the development of the port on Carey Island is a long-term project which is expected to be carried out over the next 20 to 30 years. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.