SIBU: The state’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) is planning to develop Tanjung Manis Marine Engineering Park at Paloh under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
This is because Paloh has the suitable location for bigger vessels, said its minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
“Paloh will provide you with better opportunities to become big players in shipbuilding, ship repairs as well as for oil and gas industry.
“Looking at its (Paloh) potential, we are committed to develop Kuala Paloh for that purpose,” he said.
The deputy chief minister made the comment when speaking to the media at Sarawak Association of Maritime Industries (SAMIN) founding and first committee members installation ceremony at a hotel on Saturday (Dec 26).
The area is a free trade zone, based on the previous proposal from SAMIN to develop Kuala Paloh for that purpose, added Awang Tengah.
“So, this is a good proposal and now it is to ensure the smooth implementation of the project as one of the ministry’s priorities for the 12MP to create a marine engineering park that includes shipbuilding in Paloh,” he explained.
With regard to the cost, he said, the details including the cost have not yet been decided.
However, he only estimated that the facility when completed in the future would be able to potentially attract a possible investment worth RM1.5 billion.
In his earlier speech, Awang Tengah,who is also the Second Minister of Urban Development and Resources, revealed that earthworks for Sibu Industrial Park covering an area of 150 acres had commenced.
“This industrial park is designed for the general industries to cater for the demand of the local SMEs (small-medium enterprises). There are some delays for this project due to movement control order (MCO) and the bad weather lately. The industrial park is expected to be completed by end of 2023,” he said.
Moreover, the Bukit Sari assemblyman also stated that Mintred had completed the Rantau Panjang Phase I upgrading works, costing RM11.7 million.
“The ministry is now taking the development of additional 21 acres in Rantau Panjang Phase II. Earthworks is about to commence soon, and we expect to complete the extension works by end of 2022. This extension works is upon the request made by Sibu Shipyards Association,” he stated.
Other than that, Awang Tengah said that the maritime industry had made sizeable contribution to the state’s economy.
“Based on statistics, the industry has generated export valued at RM279 million in 2018, RM349 million in 2019 and RM168 million up to October this year. This is a testament to the high quality and technical capabilities of our local shipbuilders.
“Currently, Malaysia has about 100 shipyards nationwide of which 60 are located in Sarawak.
“Out of the shipyards, 40 operate in Sibu district which specialise in building and repairing small to medium vessels such as tugboats, offshore support vessels (OSVs), barges, passenger ships and so on. Sibu certainly has the potential to become a centre of maritime industry in the country,” he explained.
On the formation of SAMIN, Awang Tengah described it as timely to further promote the interests of the maritime industry in Sarawak.
“I understand that SAMIN is represented by a broad cross-section of the industry, comprising shipbuilding, ship repairs, marine maintenance, engine repair and overhaul, naval architects, maritime consultants and academia, marine product manufacturers, and the supporting industries.
“I hope they will continue to play an active role for the advancement of maritime industry in the state,” Awang Tengah added.
On a separate matter at the ceremony, Dr Renco Yong was selected to helm SAMIN for the term 2020 – 2021 and assisted by his deputy, Ting Hien Liong.
Ling Tiu Khing and Chieng Yew Wei are respective vice-presidents for shipbuilding and repair and marine related industries, while secretary is Tay Kho Jim assisted by Tan Yong Yew. Ngieng Hock Sii was appointed as treasurer and to be assisted by Jonathan Ling Nai Wee.
Furthermore, Choi Man Siaw is in-charge of general affairs, while Gerald Chang is to take charge of welfare and Chieng Yeu Foo is in-charge of education.
Also present were permanent secretary to the ministry Datuk Liaw Soon Eng and president of SAMIN Dr Renco Yong and other delegates.
