By Amanda L
SIBU, Nov 14: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants the proposed Sibu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to receive federal government support comparable to that given to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Drawing comparisons with the Johor-Singapore initiative, he said Sibu should also benefit from similar support, including measures to help attract investors and strengthen its role as a strategic trading hub in central Sarawak.
“If they provide that to them, they should provide also to Sibu because we are part of Malaysia,” he said at Agape Centre’s 20th anniversary celebration and the opening of its new building in Sibu today.
Abang Johari said the State government had submitted the Sibu SEZ proposal to the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit and the Prime Minister, who subsequently announced the federal government’s agreement to the proposal in Madani Budget 2027.
“With that Special Economic Zone, we can enjoy tax incentives. With those tax incentives, therefore, we can have a master plan for Sibu and also put up Sibu as an important strategic trading hub in the middle of Sarawak,” he said.
He said the proposed tax incentives would help attract investment, while a comprehensive master plan would guide the city’s economic development.
A special authority would also be established to oversee the development of the Sibu economic zone.
“That’s why after this, we have to form a special authority to look into the development of Sibu economic zone,” he said. — DayakDaily
