By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 9: The Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) has partnered with PMW International Sdn Bhd to establish a factory in Tanjung Manis to produce made-in-Sarawak construction materials, including poles and piles, marking a major push to strengthen local manufacturing and accelerate industrial growth in the region.
STIDC yesterday (April 8) signed a Shareholders Agreement with PMW International Sdn Bhd at Wisma Sumber Alam in Petra Jaya.
The collaboration is seen as a significant step in advancing industrial development in Tanjung Manis, positioning it as a strategic gateway for economic expansion under the Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-MEGA).
STIDC general manager Datu Zainal Abidin Abdullah said Tanjung Manis remains a key priority entrusted by the Sarawak government to drive rural growth and industrialisation.
“This collaboration sends a strong message to investors, showcasing Tanjung Manis as a gateway for industry and access to Sarawak through the central region.
“It also reflects our proactive approach in advancing industrial development through strategic partnerships. We are honoured to participate in this project through equity involvement in PMW Winabumi (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, and believe it will deliver meaningful value to both parties,” he said in a media release today.
He added that the partnership aligns with a shared vision to strengthen regional industrial development while supporting expansion in the manufacturing of spun piles and poles.
Zainal Abidin noted that STIDC continues to play a vital role in developing Sarawak’s timber and timber-based industries, including facilitating industrial land and infrastructure while supporting the State’s broader industrialisation agenda.
“With our mandate and experience, we look forward to a productive relationship with PMW. This collaboration also aligns with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 in driving economic prosperity, boosting state revenue, and promoting social inclusivity by prioritising job opportunities for local communities in Tanjung Manis,” he said.
Meanwhile, PMW International executive director Lee Hon Hwa said the company aims to localise production of key construction components to support infrastructure growth in Sarawak and beyond.
“We aim to produce made-in-Sarawak foundation piles, spun piles, square piles and concrete poles,” he said.
Lee added that PMW also manufactures products for telecommunication towers, transmission and power distribution poles, street lighting, as well as green energy solutions such as solar LED lighting.
He expressed hope for swift approvals to facilitate construction of the factory, which will support contractors in Sarawak.
“Following the agreement, we plan to submit the SPA for approval. Construction is expected to take about a year, with the factory targeted to be operational by end-2027 to roll out products in Tanjung Manis,” he said.
He also revealed that initial interviews with local workers have been conducted, with strong interest shown, noting that the project is expected to spur further industrial investments in the area.
The collaboration underscores STIDC’s commitment to sustainable industrialisation while enhancing Sarawak’s manufacturing capabilities through strategic industry partnerships. — DayakDaily
