An aerial view of Bintulu Port
KUCHING: Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd
(BPHB) is advancing efforts to establish itself as a regional Free Zone hub to spur growth.
Groundwork to develop free zones at both Bintulu Port and Samalaju Industrial Port was initiated last year, leveraging on their strategic maritime locations and strong trade linkages, according to president and group chief executive officer Ruslan Abdul Ghani.
“To support this expansion, we are currently structuring a dedicated management entity to oversee the free zones, ensuring efficient investment attraction, regulatory compliance and logistics integration.
“This initiative aligns with Sarawak’s border economic agenda, positioning Bintulu as a key gateway for transhipment and industrial development,” he said in BPHB’s 2024 annual report.
Ruslan said BPHB had finalised the Port Development Plan for Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (BPSB) and Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd, both its wholly-owned subsidiaries, to align with emerging industry needs.
The plan will define key capacity upgrades, sustainability investments and operational enhancements that will drive the company’s next phase of growth.
Samalaju Industrial Port was specially designed and built to cater for energy-intensive industries in the adjacent Samalaju Industrial Park, which has secured more than RM52bil in investments, including in aluminium and ferroalloy smelting plants.
“Additionally, we are expanding our multi-purpose Terminal 2 with improvements to boost our ability to handle bulk and break cargo more efficiently.
“Investments in new berthing spaces, improved storage capacity and advanced cargo-handling equipment will ensure that Bintulu Port remains a preferred logistics hub for industrial players in Sarawak,” he added.
Ruslan said Bintulu Port, which is the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in East Asia, continues to reinforce its role in regional trade networks and this was boosted when a direct shipping route between Muara Port (Brunei) and Beibu Gulf Port (China) was established last year.
He said this new route strengthens the China-South-East Asia trade flows, allowing Bintulu to capture increased transhipment cargo volumes and enhance its regional connectivity.
“Global trade is entering a period of realignment and disruption.
“With the return of Donald Trump to US presidency in 2025, it could reignite US-China trade tensions, forcing companies to restructure supply chains and re-route cargo flows.
“We saw this before during his previous term when South-East Asia, Malaysia included, became an attractive alternative for businesses seeking to reduce exposure to tariff risks under the China+1 strategy.”
This time, Ruslan said Bintulu Port is prepared to capture an even greater share of trade.
“As companies move supply chains into Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia, I see an increase in transhipment volumes through our port.
“As such, we are positioning ourselves as the preferred logistics hub for companies seeking efficient, reliable and cost-effective port solutions.
“That is why we are also exploring the possibility of bringing in a world-class port operator to manage Bintulu Integrated Cargo Terminal (BICT) aimed at enhancing the terminal’s operational efficiency and competitiveness.”
He said as the largest container terminal in Sarawak and Sabah, BICT is embarking on a structural transformation to position itself as a separate entity.
Ruslan said regional competition is heating up, with Singapore, Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas continuing their aggressive expansions while Vietnam’s Cai Mep-Thi Vai and China’s Beibu Gulf Port making strong plays for regional trade dominance.
“We cannot afford to stand still. That is why we are focusing on modernising our port infrastructure, optimising turnaround time and strengthening our connectivity to global trade routes.”
He said Bintulu Port is entering a new phase of growth as it transitions under Sarawak’s new central port authority, aligning its development with the state’s long-term economic ambitions.
“With Sarawak’s growing focus on petrochemicals, advanced manufacturing and clean energy, Bintulu Port must evolve to meet new industry demands.
“We are expanding capacity, modernising infrastructure and integrating digital solutions to strengthen supply chain resilience and improve operational efficiency.
“As Sarawak deepens its participation in global trade, we are enhancing our capabilities to handle higher trade volumes, emerging cargo segments and greater connectivity across regional and international markets.
“Beyond supporting industrial growth, we are also committed to transforming Bintulu Port into a leading green port and demonstrated this by attaining the Green Label Terminal certificate.
“As Sarawak advances its renewable energy ambitions,particularly in green hydrogen, LNG bunkering and carbon capture, our infrastructure must evolve in parallel.”
Ruslan said by driving industrial diversification, global trade integration and sustainable port operations, Bintulu Port is positioning itself as a future-ready logistics hub.
Bintulu Port, a federal port since 1978, will become a state port upon the completion of the status transfer to the Sarawak government by the Federal government.
On the establishment of the Borneo Oil and Gas Supply Base (BOGSB) by Bintulu Port two years ago, Ruslan said a breakthrough was achieved in 2024 with the completion of the front-end engineering design study, setting the stage for infrastructure development and operational planning.
“The BOGSB will be a game-changer – equipped with specialised berthing, storage and maintenance facilities to support offshore exploration and production activities.
“By expanding our marine services offerings, we will broaden our capabilities to provide end-to-end offshore support, including equipment supply, fuel provisioning, emergency response and personnel transfers to offshore facilities.
“Furthermore, these services will complement the BOGSB’s role in supporting upstream, midstream and downstream operations, ensuring a seamless and integrated offshore supply chain.”
By doing so, Ruslan said Bintulu Port will strengthen its position as the leading offshore support hub in Borneo, driving regional economic growth and reinforcing Malaysia’s standing in the global energy landscape.
“With an exclusive supply base licence, this project strengthens Bintulu’s position as a critical node in Malaysia’s energy logistics network, ensuring enhanced supply chain resilience and competitiveness,” he added.
