The port’s state status took effect on Sept 1 under the transfer legislation. The handover marks the end of a three-year transition involving the port’s management and government responsibilities, rather than a shutdown of port operations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke handed the documents to Sarawak Deputy Premier Douglas Uggah in a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Abang Johari. The agreed takeover value was RM1.8 billion.

For businesses using the port, the immediate story is continuity under a new state administration. Future changes to investment, tariffs or operating arrangements will depend on later announcements.