BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & NATASHA JEE
BINTULU: A new master plan for the development of the Jepak area has been approved by the state government, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said the master plan includes the development of a new administrative centre for Bintulu Division that will drive development in the surrounding area.
“With the completion of the Kemena Bridge later, road connections for the Jepak and Bintulu areas will be closer.
“Not only for both areas, but direct connections to other areas including Balingian will be simplified and travel time will be more efficient,” he said in his speech during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) 2023 Northern Zone Special Convention at Bintulu Civic Centre here today.
He added that the government’s comprehensive planning would make Jepak a new satellite town, a new administrative centre, provision of housing facilities and other facilities.
“This will be a new economic centre including for small and medium traders,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), said that with the political and policy stability, Sarawak is one of the important investment destinations.
“In 2022, we recorded investments amounting to RM32 billion and this is expected to continue to increase.
“In Samalaju alone, the investment that has been approved amounting to RM52.45 billion and provides many job opportunities to the local population. To date, it has provided approximately 8,000 job opportunities to local residents,” he added.
On state leadership that has a clear vision and high commitment, Awang Tengah praised Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for his hard work day and night.
“We don’t know when he rests. I think Tongkat Ali can give energy, but it is even better with ’Tongkat Jo,” he said.
