By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 16: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has set a target for Serian’s gross domestic product (GDP) to reach RM1.4 billion by 2030, with the goal of developing Serian into a ‘mini New Zealand’ by 2030.
According to the Premier, Serian’s GDP currently stands at RM600 million, and could hit the new target by 2030.
“The total goods and services produced in Serian division must increase by 6 to 8 per cent.
“So the question is, can Serian achieve that? I believe it can be achieved, provided the infrastructure is ready, and Serian can be another tourist centre because it is not far from Kuching and has natural attractions,” he told reporters after chairing the State Development Coordination Committee Meeting (SDCCM) held today in Serian, which was streamed live via Sarawak Public Communication Unit’s (Ukas) Facebook page.
Abang Johari also drew parallels with New Zealand as a model for Serian’s development, focusing on its landscape, rivers, culture, and attractions.
He further noted that the tourism potential in Serian will be enhanced once the autonomous transit system (ART) begins operations in the future.
“Sarawak will soon have its own airline, allowing us to bring tourists to Kuching and from there to Serian. Tourists will have the opportunity to stay in homestays in Serian, immersing themselves in the local culture.”
The Premier went on to express concerns about waste management in Serian and the need for scientific and modern waste management practices, moving away from landfills towards incinerators and high-tech solutions.
“If there is a lot of waste, no tourists will come here. So, we have to manage the waste. I’ve requested statistics on the volume of waste produced in Serian.
“There is now a system for separating biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable waste. In other words, we are aiming for a circular economy in which waste is converted into energy or other products,” he explained.
The meeting was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Deputy Premiers of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Sarawak Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki. — DayakDaily
