By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 23: A healthcare company based in the United States of America (USA) will be investing RM1 billion to establish Sarawak’s first medical hub in Tanjung Kidurong, Bintulu near the mega methanol plant which is currently being constructed.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the project to produce medical products is currently in the first phase of development which involves a cost of about RM200 million.
“Thereafter, the second phase will be implemented with investment estimated at RM800 million.
“(On top of that), we (the Sarawak government) have proposed for the hydrogen plant also to be set up next year in the same area,” he told reporters after visiting the Petchem Methanol Plant in Tanjung Kidurong yesterday.
Abang Johari was referring to the Sarawak Medical Innovation and Technology Hub (Smith), a joint project by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Arrow Medsource Group (AMG) from USA and several global partners, for which a ground-breaking ceremony was performed on March 8.
Smith will serve as a vital hub, not only for the development of medical manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries in this region and throughout Sarawak, but as an important solution to the global medical supply chain issues.
It aims to build Sarawak’s strength in medical manufacturing from basic medical supplies to high-end surgical products and equipment.
Abang Johari revealed there were other investments coming into Tanjung Kidurong including another proposal for a petrochemical development as well as several proposals from new investors eager to start their operations in Bintulu.
“The implementation of these developments (alongside Sarawak’s first methanol plant) will take place between now until 2027 and even beyond 2030.
“I believe that these developments (to expand the petrochemical hub in Bintulu) will contribute to Sarawak’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) by at least about six to seven per cent and create 15,000 job opportunities by 2026,” he added.
Abang Johari visited the petrochemical hub to check on all the areas in which planning will take place and to come up with detailed planning, especially in the aspects of land matters, facilities for workers and more comfortable roads for the development of these infrastructures and all comers. — DayakDaily
