KUCHING – Bintulu Port Holdings Berhad has reaffirmed its position as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s economic development, handling 80 per cent of the state’s total cargo, equivalent to 52 million tonnes annually.
Chief Executive Officer Dato Ruslan Abdul Ghani explained that the group oversees two major facilities, Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd and Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd.
Together, these operations have elevated the company to become the third largest port operator in Malaysia, behind Klang Port and Tanjung Pelepas Port (PTP).
Ruslan highlighted the scale of responsibility that comes with managing such a significant share of Sarawak’s logistics system.
He noted that Bintulu Port forms part of a wider ecosystem essential to supporting the state’s ambition of building a sustainable and competitive future.
Speaking at the Sarawak Budget 2026 Conference Forum Programme, Ruslan stressed that supply chain development must be approached in stages.
He said Sarawak should first strengthen its capabilities at the state level before positioning itself as a national leader, and eventually expanding into regional and global supply chains.
“To talk about regional and global supply chains, we must first see how far our advantages are in Sarawak and at the national level,” he remarked, underlining the importance of building strong foundations before pursuing international competitiveness.
The forum also featured prominent voices from Malaysia’s business and digital sectors. Among them were Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia; TS Khairulnizam Dato Sri Mohamed Khalid, President of the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Vice-Advisor of the Institute of National Trade (INSKEN); and Ir. Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad, Vice President of Digital Adoption at the Malaysian Digital Economy Council (MDEC). The session was moderated by Najib Imran.
Panelists echoed the importance of integrating SMEs into the logistics and trade ecosystem, while also emphasising digital adoption as a driver of efficiency and competitiveness.
Their discussions reflected Malaysia’s broader strategy to modernise its ports and supply chains, ensuring they remain resilient in the face of global challenges.
Bintulu Port’s role in handling the majority of Sarawak’s cargo underscores its significance not only to the state but also to Malaysia’s national economy.
With maritime trade accounting for nearly all of the country’s external commerce, the port’s performance is vital in sustaining growth and positioning Sarawak as a key player in regional trade.
As Sarawak moves forward with its Budget 2026 initiatives, Bintulu Port’s continued expansion and modernisation are expected to remain central to the state’s development agenda, reinforcing its role as the economic pillar of Sarawak.
