MIRI – The Sungai Baram deepening project, valued at RM208.9 million, has reached 40 per cent completion, with the timeline for delivery now accelerated to October 2026, ahead of the original March 2027 deadline.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the government requested the implementing party to rearrange the work schedule to ensure faster progress.
He expressed confidence that the revised target could be achieved, citing favourable dry weather conditions that have facilitated the main construction phase.
“Dry weather is helping us move forward with the ground works, and I am confident this target can be achieved,” he said during a site briefing on Friday.
Beyond the deepening of the river route, the project is also creating additional benefits through natural land formation along both sides of the river.
Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah explained that reclamation areas have already extended to nearly 4.8 kilometres, particularly on the right bank, reflecting the positive impact of ongoing training bund construction.
The high-impact initiative is expected to significantly improve navigation safety, enhance vessel access to Miri Port, and lay the groundwork for future expansion of port operations.
Officials noted that the project will strengthen Sarawak’s maritime infrastructure and support economic growth in the region.
The site visit was attended by key stakeholders, including Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development II Datuk Majang Renggi, Miri Port Authority Chairman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, and Sarawak Public Works Director Datu Dr Cassidy Morris, alongside representatives from relevant agencies.
The Sungai Baram deepening project is regarded as a strategic development effort, ensuring safer navigation while boosting Sarawak’s port capacity to meet future demands.
