By Adrian Lim
MUKAH, Aug 22: The state government has earmarked Kuala Paloh as a location for the development of the shipping industry in Sarawak.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said a land measuring 2,000 acres has been identified for the development of the shipping industry there.
“Actually, we have (identified) a special area for marine engineering, maintenance and works related to the shipping industry. The place is at Kuala Paloh here.
“We have a proposal from a company to develop shipyards.
“This means there are lots of potential for the shipping industry to grow due to its close proximity to the deep sea port in Tanjung Manis,” he said during a press conference after performing the earthbreaking for the construction of the Batang Paloh bridge which connects Tanjong Manis to Pulau Bruit here today.
Abang Johari said the construction of the Batang Paloh bridge, spanning 1.7 km will reduce the travelling time between Tanjung Manis and Pulau Bruit.
He believed the development of the shipping industry in Kuala Paloh will generate many job opportunities for the locals.
Besides, Abang Johari said the state government will connect the electricity and water supplies to Kuala Paloh.
With electricity and water supplies, he said the agriculture and the fisheries sectors in Kuala Paloh will also be developed.
He emphasised that the most important element to develop Kuala Paloh is the infrastructure development such as road accessibility.
Besides, Abang Johari said the state government will also provide talent development for the youth through the Centre of Technical Excellence (Centexs) located in Mukah.
Among those present at the function were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing, Assistant Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Assistant Minister of Urban Development and Resources Datu Len Talif Salleh, Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol and Tanjong Manis MP Yusuf Abdul Wahab. —DayakDaily
