By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 24: The Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone in Kuching employs over 15,000 people, 98 per cent of whom are locals, and pays RM758 million in annual wages, whereas the Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu employs around 8,300 people, 83 per cent of whom are locals, and pays RM532 million in annual wages.
Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, stated this when delivering his winding-up speech in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
Awang Tengah also mentioned that Sama Jaya Free Industrial Zone contributed RM917 million to the local economy and exported RM8.9 billion of E&E products, whereas Samalaju Industrial Park contributed RM5.4 billion to the local economy and exported RM18.4 billion of basic metal products.
“We welcome all investments, both foreign direct investment (FDI) as well as domestic direct investment (DDI), not only in the upstream but also downstream and value-adding industries that are in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“We will prioritise investments that promote economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
In addition, Awang Tengah provided an update on the development of industrial parks and Anjung Usahawan by his ministry in Sarawak.
“Five industrial parks projects have been completed, namely Kapit Industrial Park, Demak Laut Industrial Park Phase 2B, Betong Industrial Park (Phase 1), Sri Aman Industrial Park, and Sematan Industrial Park (Phase 1).
“Ten projects are currently under construction: five industrial parks in Bau, Sibu, Rantau Panjang, Samalaju SME Cluster, and Marudi; and five Anjung Usahawan in Sematan, Telok Melano, Gedong, Lawas, and Sundar,” he mentioned.
He went on to explain that 33 projects are under various stages of pre-implementation such as site identification, siting application, appointment of consultants, engineering design, and preparation of tender.
“They are 13 Industrial Park project in Kuching, Sebuyau, Meradong, Dalat, Song, Long Lama, Limbang, and Lawas; 17 Anjung Usahawan in Simunjan, Pakan, Kabong, Lubok Antu, Debak, Kampung Bungin, Daro, Dalat, Balingian, Meradong, Song, Beraya, Bekenu, Long Lama, Limbang, Kuala Lawas, and Trusan; and three Processing Centres at Punang and Awat-Awat,” Awang Tengah added. — DayakDaily
