BY AWANG MUHAMMAD SYAHMI
THE Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment is set to finalise the Master Plan for the Development of Industrial Terminals in Sarawak this year, according to Deputy Premier cum Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
The Master Plan will encompass five strategic locations: Kuching, Tanjung Manis, Tanjung Kidurong, Samalaju and Lawas, aiming to guide the development of a comprehensive programme that explores innovative ways to transform Sarawak into a developed economy by 2030.
“Kuching is slated to become a knowledge industrial hub, with a focus on high-tech electronics, hydrogen, and smart manufacturing industries,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on today (May 24).
“Tanjung Manis will be transformed into a regional halal industrial hub while Kidurong aims to maximise the utilisation of its natural gas resources and evolve into a new generation chemical hub.
“Samalaju will expand its scope to encompass new sectors, particularly those related to new energy and green energy industries.
“Lawas will be developed as an industrial hub with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through green energy development and industry transformation.”
Awang Tengah also provided updates on the ministry’s projects. “Five industrial park projects, including Kapit Industrial Park, Demak Laut Industrial Park Phase 2B, Betong Industrial Park (Phase 1), Sri Aman Industrial Park, and Sematan Industrial Park (Phase 1), have been completed.
“Ten projects are currently under construction, consisting of industrial parks in Bau, Sibu, Rantau Panjang, Samalaju SME Cluster, and Marudi, along with five Anjung Usahawan projects in Sematan, Telok Melano, Gedong, Lawas, and Sundar.
“Meanwhile, 33 projects are in various stages of pre-implementation, including site identification, siting application, appointment of consultants, engineering design, and tender preparation.”
He emphasised the significance of this study for the mid-term review and the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan in helping determine the necessary projects to fulfil the ministry’s goals outlined in the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
