By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 11: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today announced the establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), backed by an initial RM1.5 billion allocation under the upcoming State Budget.
The announcement was made during the Sarawakku Sayang programme in Sibu after Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development I (Education and Innovation) as well as Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee and several assemblymen from the Sibu region called for a dedicated economic authority to spearhead the town’s future development.
Abang Johari said the proposed agency would differ from other regional development authorities in Sarawak, as Sibu’s economic development required a more specialised approach.
“I agree to establish the proposed agency, but it will be different from the others. Its name will be the Sibu Economic Zone because its economic development is quite complex with its services.
“For a start, I will include RM1.5 billion in the new budget for the Sibu Economic Zone,” he said in his speech during the event, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) today.
Earlier, Dr Annuar pointed out that Sibu was currently outside existing regional development authorities such as the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Mid-Rajang Integrated Infrastructure Development Agency (MIIRDA) and Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
He said assemblymen from Nangka, Dudong, Pelawan, Bawang Assan, Bukit Assek and Tamin, had proposed a dedicated authority to focus specifically on economic activity in Sibu.
Dr Annuar noted that Sibu’s once-thriving timber industry had become a sunset industry, making it necessary for the town to diversify into new economic sectors.
He said the proposed authority should not only plan development but also implement economic initiatives ranging from small and medium industries to larger industries that could generate more employment opportunities.
“If we have a large food industry, Sibu can be positioned as a hub for supplying food throughout Sarawak, provided that economic activities are carried out effectively.
“This is the one request from my fellow elected representatives, namely that economic activities in Sibu be strengthened so that when the town becomes more developed, the benefits will spill over to other areas in the central zone of Sarawak,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof and wife Datin Amar Ruziah Tahir; Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Dato Fatimah Mohd Iskandar; and Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki and wife Dato Baduyah Bujang. — DayakDaily
