SARAWAK’S mining sector will be able to generate investments to the tune of RM6.7 billion, especially in the midstream and downstream industries by 2030.
Second Natural Resources and Urban Development Minister and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the state government was confident the sector would bloom with plans implemented under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“Apart from that, the sector is also expected to open up at least 5,300 job opportunities for various fields and expertise, including an economic spin-off worth more than RM3.5 billion a year.
“As the mining sector, especially its upstream activities, is closely related to the environment, the state will always ensure that it is done in accordance with the laws and regulations in force, as well as in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
Through the PCDS 2030, three main initiatives would spur the industry, namely strengthening the State Mineral Management Authority (SMMA) and reforming the mining policy and regulatory framework; developing geological mapping and streamlining mining activities; and intensifying downstream activities and designing business models.
Awang Tengah said there were 13 main action plans and 59 sub-action plans would be implemented from this year to 2030 to achieve the three initiatives.
“As a start, the state has approved the establishment of the Mineral Resources and Geoscience Division in his ministry on Feb 22, focusing on ensuring that the prepared plans were ready to be implemented.
“Other than that, the state has also approved a RM15 million grant under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to carry out a study on the existence of mineral resources in an unexplored area of approximately 2,616,422 hectares to complete the preliminary mineral data of Sarawak.
“This data will help the government to identify the potentials of mineral resource-based industry,” he added.
He said any mining land that had ceased operations would be fully restored by the mining operators.
