KUCHING, Dec 31: Sarawak Association of Marine Industries (Samin) expresses its hope to work closely with the newly appointed Sarawak government ministers to solidify further Sarawak’s position in Malaysia’s marine industries.
Samin president Dr Renco Yong said the calibre of ministers under the administration of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presents exciting prospects to industry players to grow their business further and enhance their contribution to the development of Sarawak’s economy.
He said the re-elected Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin shares their aspiration to enhance further the marine industry’s contribution to Sarawak’s economy.
“We have had engagements with him several times, and he has kindly promised to resolve some of the problems faced by our members which they have raised with him,” said Yong in a statement today.
Yong also said that Samin is looking forward to the same strong support from Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who retained his position as Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for International Trade and Investment, to provide institutional support to industry players, help to resolve issues faced by members, facilitate infrastructure development, and promote Sarawak’s marine industry to international markets.
Additionally, Samin also congratulated Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who was appointed as the new Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development following Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing’s passing on Oct 31, 2021.
“We are excited about sharing with him the capabilities and prospects of the marine industry and how it can further increase its socio-economic contribution to the State.
“We also look forward to drawing his experience as former Federal Deputy Minister of Transport from 2001 to 2008 to elevate the competitiveness of the Sarawak marine industry on the global stage,” he added.
Yong said the marine industry is vital to Sarawak’s resource-rich and commodities-dependent economy and generates tremendous multiplier effects in terms of economic growth, employment, skills development, and investment, among others.
“Shipping ― sea-based and riverine ― port operations, shipbuilding/ship repair and many supporting activities facilitate much of the transportation of commodities produced in Sarawak to their markets and the distribution of cargos into and across the State.
“As such, the support of the Federal and State governments in the form of incentives, institutional push, and favourable policies is crucial in helping industry players to grow and become competitive nationally and internationally,” he stressed.
Yong emphasised that the attention and incentives given by the State government have been instrumental in promoting the growth of this industry which is crucial to Sarawak’s economy and the prosperity of its people.
“We express our fervent hope that the new Sarawak Cabinet line-up under Abang Johari’s able leadership can continue to extend its support to the Sarawak marine industry players to help promote their growth and human capital development, enhance their capacity, improve their efficiency and productivity, and enable them to compete internationally,” he said. ― DayakDaily
