Rajang Port Authority in talks to acquire more space for container yard

SIBU: The Rajang Port Authority (RPA) is in talks with a private developer to acquire more space for its container yard.

Its chairman Vincent Goh Chung Siong said the port had been approached by the developer who wanted to exchange some land for a waterfront project near the port area.

"The developer has offered us a site of about one hectare in exchange for our land of slightly more than 0.405 hectare, besides undertaking to provide all required infrastructure and compensation," he told reporters here today.

Goh said RPA had agreed in principle, especially when the extra site would give it space for extra 40 TeUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

"Space is at a premium at our present site. We simply cannot expand anymore but at the same time we need more space with business picking up fast.

Our capacity is for 1,200 TeUs per day and about 80,000 TeUs annually," he said.

"However the final decision would rest on the decision made by the state government and its agencies."

Goh said up to August this year, the port had handled a total of 1.14 million tonnes of import, an increase of 15.5 per cent over the same period last
year.

He said the bulk of these were foodstuff, rice, animal feed, machinery and building materials.

"For export, we have handled 2.493,910 tonnes, which is 20.5% up the amount over the corresponding period last year. Timber products, rubber and sago were the main commodities," he added.

Goh is optimistic of a sterling financial performance again this year with recovery of the global economy.

"We are targeting a surplus of between RM7 million and RM8 million. Last year, we managed a RM6.8 million surplus. In 2008, we recorded RM5 million," he said.

On emergence of the Tanjung Manis Deepsea Port in Tanjung Manis near here next year, Goh said RPA would not had its lustre taken away.

"We will still be a very important inland port for the state central region. The Tanjung Manis Port will serve bigger vessels and larger volumes. It is
especially catered to serve the State Corridor of Renewable Energy or SCORE as well as the Tanjung Manis halal hub," he said.

On the recent massive logjam affecting the Rajang River, Goh said it had no impact on the port operations. -- Bernama