MIRI: Dredging works and related activities in Kuala Baram will be carried out with a development cost of RM208.9 million.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this major project aims to enhance navigation capabilities and improve infrastructure in the area.

Datuk Amar Douglas, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, explained that the project consists of five main components, with the first phase involving the dredging of the channel to a depth of five metres based on Chart Datum (CD).

“The first phase involves dredging the channel to a depth of 5 metres according to Chart Datum (CD).

“Additionally, the construction of guide bunds, six kilometres long on each side of the channel, totalling 12 kilometres, will be carried out to prevent sediment from re-entering the dredged channel.

“The dredged soil will be used to improve the surrounding areas by placing it on both sides of the bund,” he said.

He stated this while delivering his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at the Batang Baram Delta here on Wednesday.

The event was officiated by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

Datuk Amar Douglas added that the bund construction will take place three kilometres from the coastline, at a depth of about 25 metres.

“This will make it suitable for the development of a deep-sea port in Kuala Baram. The 25-metre depth meets the current draft requirements for all types of vessels,” he said.

He mentioned that the project is expected to significantly benefit the shipping and trade sectors in Kuala Baram and improve navigation safety in the area’s waters.

Also present were Sarawak Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning & Development), Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Miri Port Authority (MPA) General Manager, Serawa Budol, along with Deputy Ministers and other board members of the Miri Port Authority (MPA). -UKASnews

Source: FB Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak