17/4/06 (Business Times)  -  THE Sarawak state government plans to develop two more ports along its coastlines to meet growing demand for sea outlets, in tandem with the economic development of the state.

The two locations identified for the development of the ports are at Tanjung Po near Kuching and Pulau Sari Port near Lawas.

Disclosing this recently, the Sarawak State Minister for Infrastucture Development and Communications, Tan Sri Dr Alfred Jabu said the development of the proposed new deep water port, Tanjung Po Port would also overcome physical limitations faced by Kuching and Miri ports.

Kuching is faced with a growing sand bar at its approach channel while Miri is hampered by very low draft.

"Overcoming these constraints would be of paramount importance to ensure long term viability of the state ports to cater to bigger vessels," said the minister.

The proposed Pulau Sari Port is expected to cater for the increasing oil palm cultivation.

The proposed bulking terminal at Bukit Sari, Lawas, is expected to generate traffic for the proposed Pulau Sari Port.

The proposed port is also expected to become the exporting point for the palm oil from neighbouring plantations, including those from Sabah.

The state government has identified 3.9 million hectares as suitable site for oil palm cultivation.

The state government had evaluated and identified oil palm corridors in their order of priority. These include the Miri-Bintulu corridors, the Tatau-Sibu corridors, the Sibu-Sri Aman corridors and areas south of Kuching division near the Indonesian border.

Besides the new port facilities, a crude oil palm bulk terminal will be built at Tanjung Manis to serve the planned oil palm plantations in that area.

In addition, Senari Independent Oil Terminal is being constructed near Senari Port in Kuching.

To further facilitate the movement of oil palm by road tankers the road access to Senari Terminal of Kuching Port is currently being upgraded into a dual carriageway.

Tanjung Manis Terminal, Rajang Port second sea outlet, which is located about 43km away from Sibu, at the moment has no road linkage at all.

However, once the proposed Sibu/Bawang Assan/Serdeng/Tanjong Manis road is completed, Tanjung Manis Port will be linked directly by road to Sibu, said Jabu.

A crude oil palm bulk terminal will be built at Tanjung Manis to serve the planned oil palm plantation in that area, besides the plan by Bintulu Port to expand its bulking and port facilities. - Ports World