BY JACINTA JOLENE & MARGARET RINGGIT
MIRI: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is optimistic that the relocation of Shell Malaysia Berhad headquarters to Miri would have a positive impact on the state’s economy.
Disclosing this last evening during his visit to the Miri Port Authority Crew Change Terminal (MPACCT) in Piasau, Abang Johari said the selection of Miri as Shell’s headquarters would enhance and accelerate economic development in the northern region of Sarawak.
“The Shell headquarters also goes to London for its global operations, and Miri HQ is for this region because Shell activities are mostly in Malaysia,” he told the local media during a press conference.
Earlier on, Abang Johari, accompanied by his deputies Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and other ministers, cruised along the Miri River up to the Kuala Baram River mouth.
During the press conference, the Premier also emphasised the crucial role of Miri Port in the development of the northern region of Sarawak.
“The port covers not only Miri but also Lawas and we have a plan to build a port in Lawas because there is a proposed petrochemical complex there.
“This means the revenue for Miri Port will, of course, increase,” he said.
Abang Johari also disclosed that the state government was developing and enhancing infrastructure development in the Baram area.
On the just-completed road from Long Lama to Long Kevok in Baram, he expressed his wish to drive along the road after the Hari Raya celebration this year.
“Uggah has invited us to drive there. I used to drive to Long Kevok when I visited the Penans before. There was no proper road then,” he said.
The Premier added the state government was providing treated water supply to the community in Mulu with the help of a treated water plant.
“But as usual, sometimes people don’t understand. Some Tuai Rumah and people there rejected this. We are giving them good water yet they are objecting,” he said.
“If we don’t give development , people accused us not helping the rakyat. But when we help, they protest.
“As a responsible government, we will continue to discuss with them. Treated water is as important as electricity supply,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development II (Port Development) Datuk Majang Renggie, Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development I (Women and Childhood Development) Datuk Rosey Yunus and Miri Port Authority general manager Serawa Budol.
