KUCHING: The proposed petrochemical hub in Bintulu should be welcomed and supported by all Sarawakians.
Sarawak Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy president and Miri Indian Association president Karambir Singh said its potential to eventually create 74,000 jobs and the prospect of eventually adding up to RM20 billion per annum to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) would go a long way towards sustainable economic growth and development in Sarawak.
He said the multiplier economic effect for the whole state will be significant.
“This petrochemical hub will be a boon to Miri City as well in terms of jobs opportunities. While the whole of Sarawak will benefit, Miri City being in close proximity stands to gain more.
“Some of the opportunities would be the provision of support services, education and training, domestic tourism for weekend getaways for the staff in Bintulu and numerous other fields,” he said when asked to comment on the project, the first in the state, announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg last Thursday.
He said news of the proposed Sarawak petrochemical hub is not only most welcomed but has come at an opportune time.
“We are now emerging from the movement control order (MCO) implemented to break the chain of Covid-19 pandemic that has had severe economic impact both on the state and the country.
“Hence, such major economic activities would bring a measure of relief to the people,” he said. Karambir expressed confidence that the announcement on the hub would boost the confidence of the local business sector and attract much of foreign direct investments for the long term.
