MIRI, 4 July 2026 — Yang Berhormat Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak (Riverine and Marine), conducted an official working visit to Kuala Baram, Miri to inspect the progress of the dredging works at the Kuala Baram navigation channel.

The visit was attended by Puan Serawal Budol, the General Manager of Miri Port Authority (MPA), members of the MPA Board of Directors, representatives of the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB), shipping association, and the project contractor and consultant.

A project briefing was delivered by the General Manager of MPA, highlighting that the project which commenced in 2024, was initiated to address sand and silt deposition at the river mouth. Prior to implementation, sediment accumulation had reduced channel depth, had resulting restricting the safe passage of larger vessels such as container and cargo vessels, offshore support vessels and others. The project scope includes dredging works to achieve a navigational depth of five (5) meters below Chart Datum (CD), and the construction of North and South Training Bunds each approximately six (6) kilometers in length which designed to mitigate sedimentation and maintain year-round channel depth.

A site visit to the North Training Bund was also conducted, during which it was reported that as of 30 June 2026, overall project progress achieved 69%, which is ahead of schedule by 3%. SRB also confirmed that the necessary approvals, including the Marine Traffic and Risk Analysis (MTRA) study, have been obtained, and that all recommendations shall be complied with throughout the implementation and operational phases.

YB Datuk Henry Harry Jinep expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved and commended the cooperation and commitment of all agencies, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders in ensuring timely project delivery.

The project shows the commitment of the Sarawak Government to continuous efforts to strengthen maritime infrastructure in order to improve port operational efficiency, enhance navigational safety, and support the growth of shipping, logistics, and the oil and gas industry, thus contributing to prosperity and sustainable economic development in Sarawak.