Sarawak’s assistant minister for infrastructure and ports development Julaihi Narawi said the state could only act on acquiring any federal entity upon completion of the study.

“Give us sufficient time and we’ll do it accordingly. I think this would only be fair to everyone,” he told the Sarawak legislative assembly.

He said ports are critical in the state’s economic development as it is rich with natural resources.

Currently, he said the state has a 39.72% share in Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd, with two state representatives on its board of directors.

Aidel Lariwoo (GPS-Sadong Jaya) said the acquisition of Bintulu Port could help Sarawak generate more income as the state has the second largest gas reserves in the world.

“We hope the state government will be able to integrate all the ports in Sarawak under one entity,” he said, adding that Bintulu Port is the richest port in Malaysia followed by Port Klang.

In August, the state government formed the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development following a minor reshuffle.

The following month, Deputy Chief Minister James Masing warned that the Bintulu Port, established under the Bintulu Port Authority Act 1981 as a body under the federal transport ministry, might not be completely legal without the state assembly’s consent.

The remarks drew criticism from Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, who said the port was under federal jurisdiction.