KUCHING: Bau is setting its sights on achieving a gross regional product (GRP) of RM1.8bil by 2030 for development in infrastructure.
Sarawak Deputy Minister for Transport (Maritime and Riverine), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said Bau, as a district would be having its own ‘Greater Bau’ master plan done by an appointed consultant, projected that Bau would contribute RM800mil in GRP a year, which is considered low.
He stressed that Bau needed to upgrade certain elements and components of development in order to achieve RM1.8bil in GRP.
“There are plans from the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) to make sure Serikin is part of the RM1bil allocation for the development of the Sarawak and Sabah borders.
“Serikin is close proximity to the airport compared to Serian, Entikong and Aruk, Biawak,” he added.
He told reporters this after officiating at the Mini Lab Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) N2 Tasik Biru here on Friday (Feb 17).
He elaborated that with government infrastructure and private investors coming in, there was hope of achieving RM1.8bil in GRP by 2030.
Meanwhile, the Tasik Biru assemblyman pointed out that the Serikin border needed a premium outlet, an inland port and an upgrade to the Bau-Serikin road.
With that, Henry said the coming plans for Bau under GKCDA were separately planned from the projects under the Blueprint for Bau District 2016-2030.
“The projects under the Blueprint, which have been approved under either Projek Rakyat or 12th Malaysia Plan, we would not develop them further because they are already considered to be implemented, which is already in process.”
Henry hoped that the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim where he allocated RM1bil to strengthen border security in Sarawak and upgrading of roads in the surrounding areas would include Serikin and Bau.
Also present were GKCDA special administrative officer Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, Serian Resident Selamat Jati Yanjah, Bau District officer Constantine Gerald David Jonas, and Kuching Resident’s Office administrative officer Low Suk Fong.
