The release of 47 Malaysians, including 40 Sarawakians, from a Cambodian prison recently was a relief to their families and the rakyat.
These people were believed to have been brought there to work. It was revealed by Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah that these detainees were scammed by a syndicate and it is expected that more investigations will be conducted by the police on the issue.
For starters, many in Sarawak are not that surprised by the prospect of people leaving the state to work elsewhere for the simple reason that prospects for jobs are slim in Sarawak, especially for graduates and skilled technicians.
The main drivers of the state’s economy are oil and gas, timber and palm oil which require mostly laborers which explains the high number of foreign workers in these industries.
Fortunately, the state’s fortune is now turning for the better; infrastructure development has been given top priority in the state’s budget expenditure which will open up the vast hinterlands of the state.
With accessible roads, ports and airports from all corners of the state, investors will now consider setting up factories and businesses to take advantage of the incentives provided by the state and federal governments.
Locally, tourism related industries will enjoy a boost and with the state going full steam on the digital economy drive, there is now a paradigm shift for people here.
The demand for skilled technical workers will jump and attract young entrepreneurs in such fields to look for prospects here too.
While it is true that technical work do not require large number of workers, nevertheless, the types of workers they attract have more spending power which is what the state needs to further develop the infrastructure to support the digital economy.
The new tax imposed on oil and gas for the state’s revenue will provide the extra funds to delve into more investments to attract tech companies in fields like biotech and other chemical industries from our core oil and gas, palm oil industries and nature habitats.
Developing new economic drivers in these areas will provide Sarawak with the advantage in comparison other states in Malaysia and with our renowned beautiful natural surroundings, friendly peoples and religious harmony, we are indeed an attractive location for those seeking new green pastures in the years ahead.
PHILIP WONG,
Kuching
• The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
