By Amanda L
KUCHING, May 20: Phase 1 of the Samalaju Industrial Port has been approved as a Free Commercial Zone by the Ministry of Finance (MOF) with Samalaju Industrial Port Sdn Bhd appointed as the Free Zone Authority.
Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the approval marked a major milestone in Sarawak’s industrial development agenda and would strengthen Samalaju’s role as a strategic logistics and trade hub in the region.
“The Free Commercial Zone is expected to support downstream industries, value-added manufacturing, warehousing, logistics services, regional distribution centres and international trading activities.
“The approval will enhance investor confidence and improve the industrial ecosystem in Samalaju,” he said.
He said this during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
The minister said the development also aligns with Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen strategic industrial clusters linked to high-growth sectors, which continue to play a key role in driving the State’s economic growth.
He added that industrial development generated spillover effects for the wider economy, including support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurship development and improvements in people’s standard of living.
According to him, the development of Free Zones forms part of Sarawak’s broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for trade, logistics, manufacturing and exports.
Awang Tengah who is also Sarawak Deputy Premier noted that this approach also leverages Sarawak’s strategic location within ASEAN, strengthening its role as a gateway to Borneo and the wider regional market.
On related developments, he said applications for free zone status for the Miri and Bintulu ports are still under consideration by the Federal Government, adding that the State government will continue to pursue the approvals. — DayakDaily
