KUCHING: Geological mapping is necessary for collecting data related to existing and new mineral resources in Sarawak.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan hoped the federal government will allocate additional funding so that the mapping can be completed promptly.
“It is important as it allows us to plan land use and identify potential areas for the upstream mining industry. This planning includes midstream and downstream industries based on mineral resources that can be developed to stimulate the economy.
“I hope the federal government will be able to increase funds for conducting mapping in certain areas of Sarawak,” he said during the Excellent Service Award (APC) and Appreciation Ceremony for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) 2023 at Grand Margherita Hotel on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister for the Ministry, said that the state has currently mapped approximately 400 square kilometres.
“Through this mapping, we have discovered that Sarawak is rich in mineral resources, including non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE),” he said.
He mentioned that the state government has allocated about RM16 million for the project but still requires additional funding from the federal government.
“We are collaborating with the Geological Department. In a recent meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I requested an additional RM300 million to continue our work on geological mapping.
“Although this amount may not cover the entire project, it will at least allow us to expand our mapping areas,” he added.
He noted that the project primarily covers the southern part of Sarawak and a few areas in the central region.
Earlier in the event, Awang Tengah also officiated at the launch of the Strategic Plan Book for MUDeNR 2023-2030 and the Organizational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) Book for MUDeNR 2021-2025, 02-2023 Version.
