SIBU, Jan 29: A proposal to build a light industrial park here to accommodate cottage industry operators has been made to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said such a park is important in view of the many small businesses scattered around and along roadside.
“Every entrepreneur who runs their business in the town area, they must have premises. You cannot do it at home and the premises must be approved by SMC (Sibu Municipal Council) and Health Department, then you will be issued the Halal certificate.
“Without a Halal certificate, your product cannot enter the supermarket hence you only can sell your product at the roadside. So, this must be done,” he said after officiating at ‘Program Pemerkasaan Komuniti Berilmu Bersama ADUN Nangka’.
Dr Annuar added that he had made a proposal for a light industrial park to SEDC.
“It doesn’t have to be big. We can build a building where the back part is for production while the front can be used to sell products. Products such as noodles, and kek lapis that do not require a big space,” he said.
He said ideally the park should be located not too far from the town centre so as to attract consumers.
“I hope that I can get the piece of land. The problem in Sibu is if we build it in a location too far (from the town) people won’t go there. Currently, I have one piece of land in mind but I’m not going to reveal it yet,” he said.
Dr Annuar also urged non-governmental organisations such as Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) Sarawak, and hawker and petty trader associations to help to gather data on entrepreneurs so that projects can be implemented. — DayakDaily
