KUCHING: The suggestion to abolish the national cabotage policy will benefit the people and state, said Second Minister of Resource Planning and Environment who is also Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development, Trade and Investment, Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
Tengah said the removal of the policy would facilitate entrepreneurs and the community in the state of Sarawak to acquire goods directly from abroad and avoid paying exorbitant prices, as was the case presently.
“We have submitted the suggestion to federal government and are still waiting for the response. I am proud that our Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has brought up this matter during a special programme recently,” said Tengah when speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of Matching Business Seminar and Launching of Ez-Pump Product at Imperial Hotel, here Yesterday..
He also said that, it will be easy for the business people to get import product directly from foreign countries, without passing trough Port Klang.
“Previously, our main problem was the lack of local product, but today we have variety of local products which are based on the mill industry, farming and others. Therefore, there is no more reason for the ships from foreign countries to leave the state without bringing our products,
“We have improved our port especially in Tanjung Manis and Samalaju. By having this direct import export activities, it will also reduce the high price charged as well as avoiding double taxes,” said the minister.
He added that, currently the state has direct shipment with China at Tanjung Manis and Samalaju, which shows that the state is ready to abolish the policy and to have direct shipment.
Therefore Tengah hoped the federal government would expedite the abolition of such policy for the better, especially that of development in the state.
