Welcome Rakan Sarawak February 2003

Rangkaian Khidmat Awam Negeri Sarawak

A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN

(People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service)

ISSN 1394-5726

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Contents provided by:

Growth of the Manufacturing Sector through Development of Industrial Estates

Manufacturing sector contributes about 20% of the State’s GDP

“Sarawak’s economy is able to sustain a healthy and steady growth arising from the systematic implementation of the national fiscal stimulus package amounting to RM3 billion unveiled in March 2001 and RM4.3 billion at the end of 2001,” said YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan Hong Nam, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister of Finance & Public Utilities, and Minister of Industrial Development, Sarawak, during his speech at a dinner organised by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) on 21 February 2003.

Both packages were aimed at cushioning the global economic slowdown through domestic driven consumption. Sarawak is also fortunate that its administration is efficient and the State Government is liberal and pro-business. Hence, the multiplier effect could sustain greater economic growth momentum. YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan Hong Nam added that, “Based on all these favorable fiscal measures, for 2003, the State is confident of targeting a GDP growth of 5.5 to 6% with emphasis that all the major sectors of the State’s economy will experience positive growth.”

According to the Deputy Chief Minister, the manufacturing sector contributes about 20% of the State’s GDP currently with a projected target of 30% contribution by the year 2005. In order to promote further expansion and growth of the manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Industrial Development (MID), Sarawak, will continue to develop more industrial estates in strategic locations throughout the State.

This will enable more industrial lots to be allocated to genuine bona fide investors. Under Phase III of the Demak Laut Industrial Park, a total of 111 lots each ranging from 1 acre to 1.5 acres have been developed to cater for the industrialists of which 49 companies have received letter of offers on 22 January 2003. In addition, 18 units of 1½ storey terraced industrial units of Phase III, expected to be completed by October 2003, will also become available for allocation to potential investors. The Demak Laut Industrial Park Phase IIA, targeted for completion by end of 2003, shall provide additional 56 plots of land for distribution.

Overall industrial structure in Sarawak shall be improved by spreading out the industrial activities throughout the State which will also create a well-balanced potential employment opportunities. Smaller towns are duly included in the main stream of the industrialisation development/ programme. In 2002, tenders for four projects namely Marudi Light Industrial Area, Bekenu Light Industrial Area, Tebedu Industrial Estate and Kapit Light Industrial Area have been called for implementation.

Cake cutting ceremony by the Chief Minister of Sarawak and Deputy Chief Minister

YB Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. George Chan Hong Nam stated that, “The total approved fund allocation for infrastructure development under the 8th Malaysia Plan (2001-2005) is RM491 million. Under the 2003 Budget Allocation, RM112 million was approved for industrial estate development, an increase of RM29 million from the 2002 Budget Allocation of RM83 million for industrial estate development.”

Sarawak is endowed with rich natural resources that could be turned into manufacturing products. Thus, the State has a high potential for various industrial developments. He urged Sarawakians to capitalise on their strengths and jointly work towards the State’s vision in transforming Sarawak into an industrialised state by the year 2010 with emphasis on sustainable development and good quality of life.

The dinner was graced by the Chief Minister of Sarawak, YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, and his wife, YABhg Datuk Amar Puan Sri Dr. Hajjah Laila Taib, as well as other dignitaries.