(Miri, 26th) Sarawak Deputy Premier and Second Finance Minister YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas stated that Miri Port Authority is the first in Sarawak to implement the ABMS MS ISO 37001, having already introduced the ISO 9001 Quality Management System, MS ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System, and MS ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, committed to comprehensively enhancing operational standards.
He pointed out that Miri Port Authority's implementation of the MS ISO 37001:2016 Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) aligns with the Sarawak government's vision of promoting an efficient and clean governance system, ensuring integrity and transparency at all organizational levels. This initiative will further improve customer service levels, enhance customer confidence, and lay a solid foundation for future development.
He expressed his honor to address the gathering of the Port Authority board, management, staff, community leaders, and business figures at the New Year, Chinese New Year, 42nd anniversary celebration, and anti-bribery management system launch ceremony held last night.
He emphasized that this is not only a celebratory moment for the New Year but also an important milestone for Miri Port Authority towards higher standards.
Due to his inability to attend, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Dato Majang Renggi read his speech.
Also, the Sarawak Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Amar Douglas, revealed that the government has approved and will commence dredging works at Kuala Baram in July 2024, expected to be completed by early 2027. This project will significantly improve port facilities, enhance freight and trade efficiency, and create better conditions for the economic development of the hinterland.
Meanwhile, Miri Port has been designated as one of Sarawak's Free Zones, providing various economic activity opportunities for businesses, including logistics conversion, break-bulk and consolidation of goods; packaging and labeling of goods; processing, manufacturing, and assembly; import and re-export trade; and other activities aimed at promoting local employment and economic growth.
He stated that the completion of the Kuala Baram dredging project will be a historic breakthrough for Miri Port Authority and bring new opportunities for the overall development of Miri City.
Datuk Amar Douglas emphasized that the Sarawak government is formulating strategic plans in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030) to advance towards a high-income economy.
He revealed that the government is considering developing a deep-sea port outside the Kuala Baram estuary, leveraging the natural advantage of the 50-meter deep continental shelf nearby, giving Miri Port the potential to become a world-class deep-sea port.
If this plan progresses smoothly, Miri Port could accommodate general cargo, containers, liquid, and bulk cargo, and also develop into a cruise ship mooring port, driving industries related to shipbuilding, repair, supply bases, and refineries, thereby boosting regional economic development.
While waiting for the Kuala Baram dredging project to be completed, he urged Miri Port Authority to continue collaborating with all parties, especially in the oil and gas sector, to attract more investors to the Kuala Baram Industrial Estate (KBIE), creating emerging export industries and job opportunities.
He acknowledged Miri Port Authority's remarkable achievements over the past 42 years despite facing numerous challenges and praised the efforts of its board, management, and team. He believes that under the leadership of the chairman, board, general manager, and management team, Miri Port Authority will continue to thrive and reach new heights.
