Kuching, 27 August 2025 – Sarawak has taken a decisive step toward strengthening its role as a regional trade and logistics powerhouse with the official signing of Sublease and Supplementary Agreements for Lot 83 and Lot 312 between Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn. Bhd. (SIPSB) and the Samalaju Port Authority (SPA). The milestone event was officiated by Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (Port Development), YB Dato Majang Renggi, marking a new phase in the expansion of Samalaju Industrial Port.
The agreement will enable SIPSB to expand port capacity and facilities, reinforcing Sarawak’s ambitions under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). Samalaju Industrial Port, designed as a deep-water facility, plays a critical role in supporting industries based within the Samalaju Industrial Park, facilitating both import and export activities in line with Sarawak’s long-term trade and industrialisation goals.
Expanding Global Trade Capacity
Dato Majang highlighted the broader significance of the agreement:
“Today’s ceremony is not merely an exchange of agreement—it is the result of careful planning, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment. The development of Samalaju Industrial Port was always envisioned to play a vital role in serving the logistics and export-import needs of industries within the vicinity.”
With the allocation of Lots 83 and 312, SIPSB gains the capacity to establish new logistics facilities, Free Zones, and modern trade infrastructure. This expansion is expected to enhance seamless connectivity for investors, traders, and manufacturers, elevating Sarawak’s position within the global supply chain.
Alignment With PCDS 2030
The expansion of Samalaju Industrial Port aligns with PCDS 2030, Sarawak’s long-term development roadmap to achieve high-income economy status by 2030. A key focus of the plan is the development of deep-sea ports and Free Industrial Zones as catalytic infrastructure to attract international investors, generate employment, and diversify Sarawak’s economy.
By strengthening port capacity, Sarawak is better positioned to seize opportunities in renewable energy, petrochemicals, and advanced manufacturing, sectors earmarked as future growth drivers under PCDS 2030.
Public-Private Partnership as a Growth Catalyst
The collaboration between SIPSB and SPA reflects the value of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing national and state-level economic agendas. By combining regulatory oversight with private sector efficiency, the expansion ensures that Sarawak remains competitive, resilient, and investor-friendly.
Free Zone and Sustainability Initiative
The port expansion dovetails with initiatives spearheaded by Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad (BPHB), which is actively developing Free Zones at both Samalaju and Bintulu Ports. At Samalaju, Phase 1 has secured support from the Economic Planning Unit, with ongoing regulatory processes involving the Ministry of Finance and Royal Customs Malaysia. Once operational, the Free Zone is envisioned as a green hub for industries, offering fiscal incentives and sustainable facilities.
Aligned with Sarawak’s broader sustainability agenda, BPHB has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with global leaders to explore hydrogen, bioLNG, and bioethanol projects. These efforts underscore the state’s ambitions to transform its ports into platforms for renewable energy development, positioning Sarawak as a competitive green logistics hub in Asia.
Outlook: Trade, Jobs, and Sustainability
The Samalaju Industrial Port expansion is more than an infrastructure upgrade—it is a strategic investment in Sarawak’s economic future. By building a robust logistics ecosystem that integrates trade, energy transition, and technology, the state is paving the way for:
- Increased trade volumes through deeper port capacity and Free Zone facilitation.
- Job creation and talent development via industrial diversification and new energy projects.
- Sustainability-driven growth, leveraging renewable energy partnerships to align with global ESG standards.
As the port grows, Sarawak cements its trajectory toward becoming a world-class trade and industrial hub—a cornerstone of Malaysia’s broader vision for regional leadership in logistics and sustainable development.
