KUCHING, March 14: The total export value through Tanjung Manis Port from January to September 2022 is approximately RM1.2 billion, and it is expected that the total export value through the port will be more than RM4 billion in 2023.
Tanjung Manis was identified as a potential site for timber related industries in the 1980s by a study conducted by HA Simons (Canada) due to its strategic location in Sarawak’s Central Region, according to a press release issued in conjunction with the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation’s (STIDC) 50th Anniversary, and subsequently, the said consultant recommended the establishment of a Timber Processing Zone (TMTPZ).
The press release stated that the regional government had entrusted STIDC with leading the development of Tanjung Manis as TMTPZ since 1990.
“Over the years couple with abundant land in Tanjung Manis, other industries such as Deep Sea Fishing Industry (2004), Shipbuilding and Repair Industry (2007), Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) in 2008, and the latest is Tanjung Manis Halal Hub in 2009, involving activities such as agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock, evolves as part of mixed development promoted under Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-MEGA).
“The re-branding of Tanjung Manis as T-MEGA has marked a new milestone in the development of Tanjung Manis. It resonates with the dynamic demand for mixed development in T-MEGA.
“Moreover, STIDC is currently looking into the establishment of an Agro-based Excellence Centre in Tanjung Manis via strategic collaboration with potential investors and institutions of higher learning such as the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in order to support the government agenda in ‘Food Security’.”
It was stated that the government has invested approximately RM3.14 billion in Tanjung Manis infrastructure and facilities such as a port, airport, telecommunication, electricity, water, wharf, housing, and commercial centre since 1990, and that a 16-story administrative centre is nearing completion to serve as a one-stop service centre for both the government and private sectors, and that it is expected to be completed in 2023.
“To date the total export value through Tanjung Manis Port from January to September 2022 is about RM1.2 billion.
“It is expected that the total export value through Tanjung Manis Port is more than RM4 billion in 2023,” it explained.
As stated in the press release, 300 houses were built to meet the demand for housing in Tanjung Manis, and another 200 units of Government Quarters were completed in 2019.
Meanwhile, due to the demand for shipbuilding industries, an area of 1,000 acres at Paloh has been approved for Shipbuilding and Ship Repair (SBSR) and Marine Works.
“Upon completion of coastal road and bridges by the State Government in 2024 that connect the major towns, such as Sarikei and Mukah will boost the economics activities in Tanjung Manis. — DayakDaily
