KUCHING, 14 February 2025 – An engagement session on the "Proposed Construction of Cement Grinding Plant in Central Sarawak at Tanjung Manis By Innocement Sdn. Bhd." was held at 3.00 p.m. at the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) Headquarters.
 
The session was chaired by Asst. Controller (Riverine Safety), Mr. Leo Nanang, representing the Controller of SRB, and attended by senior officers including Mr. Nichol Agoi (Enforcement Officer), Mr. Puan Phlomina Chura Ak. John (Marine Officer) and Cik Sarah Laong (Civil Engineer). Also present were representatives from Innocement Sdn. Bhd.
 
Innocement Sdn. Bhd. is a wholly State Government owned company, incorporated on 10th February 2023 as a joint venture between the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA). The company commenced operations on 01st May 2023, with its first distribution terminal established in November 2023 at Tanjung Manis Port in Central Sarawak, and became fully operational on 01st March 2024. The Board of Directors comprises government officials and industry experts, providing strategic leadership and governance, led by Dato Sri Dr. Muhammad Abdullah B. Hj Zaidel (Deputy State Secretary), and the members include Datu Hj. Muhamad Yakup B. Kari (General Manager, BDA), Datu Hj. Abdul Hadi B. Datuk Abdul Kadir (General Manager, SEDC), Datu John Wayne Ak. Chamberlin Sirau (Deputy State Attorney General) and Mr. Ting Ching Zung (Corporate Financial Advisor).
 
Discussions covered project implementation, safety, and regulatory requirements, including the need to carry out a Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) study to assess the impact on navigation safety, the river environment, vessel traffic, structural integrity, and dredging works, as the project area is navigable by ships of 500 Dead Weight Tonnes (DWT) or more. Comprehensive explanations were provided on compliance with Regulation 61D of the Sarawak Rivers (Traffic) Regulations, 1993, which requires a site inspection to assess the project's impact on safety and cleanliness. The requirement for a Wharf Authorisation Certificate (WAC) under Regulations 29, 30, and 31 was also presented and discussed.
 
As a result of the session, the project owner has gained a clear understanding of the procedures and mandatory requirements set by SRB. The project owner also expressed appreciation for the engagement session and emphasised the importance of maintaining close cooperation among agencies. The session was adjourned at 4.00 p.m.