LIMBANG, Feb 2: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says that foreign investors are confident to invest in Sarawak because of the domestic political stability and peaceful environment where the people live in harmony and are hardworking.
He noted Sarawak’s economy has remained strong with an annual growth of 5-6 per cent, as opposed to the country’s economy growth which is slower and clouded by uncertainties.
Abang Johari said this in his speech when launching the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Limbang zone at the Limbang District Council carpark compound here today.
Among the mentioned foreign investors is Chinese oil and gas company, Sinopec Engineering, which will be investing US$5 billion to develop an oil refinery in Lawas.
The refinery complex is expected to be completed by 2022 and will benefit the people and the economy of Lawas.
Once completed, the project has been touted to be a game changer for the oil and gas industry as well as the economy in Limbang and Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail noted that there are many projects being planned for and implemented in Limbang.
Some of those include a bridge across Sungai Limbang, the upgrading of Limbang waterfront in two phases, the construction of the Limbang Administrative Muzium, a water treatment plant, a collection, processing and packaging centre (CPCC) for agriculture produce and a road from Ulu Tubai to Mentawai.
He stressed that all the allocations for the projects in Limbang District are from the state government.
Dr Abdul Rahman also observed that there is still a need for more development projects to be undertaken in Limbang.
Therefore, he requested the state government under the leadership of Abang Johari to allocate more funds for certain projects, as funds previously allocated were insufficient.
He cited the additional funds will assist to speed up the development of a clean water supply project and the supply of water pipes to nearby villages.
He observed that there were more than four projects encompassing rural water supply and rural electrification that were yet to be completed before the 14th General Election.
Besides that, he also proposed the state government provide funds for the development of basic infrastructure at Gunung Buda to raise its appeal as a tourist destination.
For his Bukit Kota constituency, he requested funds of approximately RM90 million for the construction of a 15-kilometre village road that will pass through two bridges.
In addition, he also requested an Agropark be built in Limbang.
Dr. Abdul Rahman, who is Assistant Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development revealed that the state government has identified a piece of land measuring 300 hectares for the development of an Agropark in Limbang.
Lastly, he requested Abang Johari to discuss with Prime Minster Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad to hasten the construction of a Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at the Kpg Pendam-Lumapas border as the third entry point into Sarawak.
He pointed out that the CIQ Complex, once completed, will reduce travelling time between Brunei and Sarawak from one-and-a-half hours to less than half-an-hour.
Hence, he stressed that the construction of the CIQ Complex is crucial and will help to bring more development and people to the Limbang area. — DayakDaily
