SIBU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced the establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ).
He said the SEZ would be backed by an allocation of RM1.5 billion under the next State Budget.
The announcement came after Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who is also Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, appealed for a comprehensive plan to accelerate Sibu’s economic development.
“I agree to establish an agency, but it will be different from the other agencies. As for the name, I did not adopt Dr Annuar’s proposal entirely. It will be called the Sibu Economic Zone because its economic development is more complex and service-oriented,” he said at the Sarawakku Sayang Programme for Sibu Division on Saturday (July 11).
“As a start, I will allocate RM1.5 billion under the new State Budget to the Sibu Economic Zone.”
Earlier, Dr Annuar said he and fellow assemblymen representing Bukit Assek, Dudong, Bawang Assan and Tamin had proposed the establishment of a development agency to spearhead economic activities in Sibu.
He noted that Sibu currently falls outside the jurisdiction of existing regional development agencies such as the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA), Mid-Rajang Integrated Development Agency (MIEDA) and Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA).
According to Dr Annuar, the once-thriving timber industry has become a sunset industry and is no longer capable of driving Sibu’s economic growth.
“The proposed agency should not only plan development but also implement economic initiatives ranging from small and medium industries to large-scale industries capable of generating more employment opportunities.
“If we have a large food industry, Sibu can be positioned as a hub for supplying food throughout Sarawak, provided these economic activities are implemented effectively,” he added.
Dr Annuar also said Sibu is facing a brain drain, with many of its residents moving overseas, including to Singapore, in search of better employment opportunities.
