Abang Johari: Sarawak eyes 700 million Asean market with new Tanjung Embang Port

“KUCHING, May 16 — Sarawak is targeting a market of 700 million Asean residents through the development of the modern Tanjung Embang Port and strategic logistics infrastructure to strengthen the state’s position as a regional trade hub, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. Officiating at the Kuching Port Authority (KPA) 65th Anniversary Celebration Dinner here last night, the Premier said that geographically, Sarawak is located at the heart of Asean. He pointed out that Sarawak’s strategic position in the centre of the Asean region gives the state a major advantage to emerge as a key player in the regional trade and logistics sector. “We are in the middle of 11 countries in Asean, so the market we are targeting is not just 2.8 million residents but 700 million Asean residents. We are capable of serving that 700 million market because other ports are located further away, whereas we are right in the middle of this region. “So our future lies there, because the strengths we possess will make us more competitive and subsequently allow us to emerge as one of the key players in Asean,” he said. He added that Sarawak’s proximity to China, Hong Kong, and South Korea also provides a strategic edge in strengthening international trade networks. Abang Johari, who is also the Minister of Finance and New Economy, shared that operations at Senari Port will eventually relocate to Tanjung Embang Port, given that the former may eventually no longer be able to accommodate the increase in cargo resulting from Sarawak’s economic growth. He explained that the planned Tanjung Embang Port will be located about 20 kilometres out at sea with a depth of between 13 and 16 metres, allowing large vessels to berth without obstruction. “So Senari will move further out later on, where they will relocate way out at sea,” he said. Abang Johari also noted that ports in the state have been told to embrace digitalisation, automation, and seamless systems in order to keep abreast of changes in the global economic landscape. As port operations worldwide are now driven by these elements, documentation can be processed before ships even arrive. Through digital transactions and real-time data transmission, cargo clearance can be completed immediately upon arrival, he said, adding that this results in faster turnaround times, greater efficiency, and lower costs. “Sarawak must adapt to these changes. That is why our digital economy agenda includes seamless port management systems. We must modernise our operations to remain competitive in the global supply chain.” In addition, port operations of the future will rely on automation and robotics, he said, citing examples like cranes which will be operated remotely, and autonomous vehicles. He added that all systems will be integrated digitally. Among those present were Abang Johari’s daughter Dayang Norjihan; Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, who is also former KPA chairman; Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Ministers of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo and Datuk Majang Renggi; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya and KPA chairman Azizul Annuar Adenan, who is also Tanjung Datu assemblyman. — The Borneo Post

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