Sarawak is pushing another RM183.07 million into industrial parks to widen its investment and jobs base.
International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister and Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the allocation, approved under the 13th Malaysia Plan, would cover 17 industrial park projects, including in rural areas.
“The projects would support industrial expansion, regional development, job creation and MSME growth,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech today.
He said his ministry remained committed to strengthening Sarawak’s industrial ecosystem through the expansion and upgrading of industrial parks and estates across the state.
“Industrial parks are being continuously upgraded to improve infrastructure, utilities, road connectivity and industrial land capacity to meet growing investor demand.
“The latest allocation follows RM128.05 million approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan for 23 industrial park projects throughout Sarawak.
“Six projects have been completed, namely Sematan Industrial Park Phase 1, Sri Aman Industrial Park, Betong Industrial Park Phase 1, Kapit Industrial Park, Samalaju SME Cluster Phases 1 and 2, and Marudi Industrial Park Phase 1,” he said, adding that the remaining projects are at various stages of implementation.
On Sarikei, he said the Sarawak government had approved the development of Sarikei Industrial Park Phase 2 under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“My ministry is currently identifying a suitable site to maximise its socio-economic impact, particularly in investment generation, job creation and regional economic growth.”
For Selangau, he said the government acknowledged the area’s development potential.
“We will conduct further assessments with the relevant authorities on the suitability of developing a small and medium industrial park in Selangau.”
Awang Tengah said the state’s strategy is to develop integrated industrial clusters where anchor industries can stimulate supporting industries across the supply and value chains.
“This approach would strengthen local participation and generate wider economic spillovers.”
In line with this, he said the ministry would continue working closely with MSMEs through upskilling and reskilling programmes to enhance their participation in industrial clusters and improve competitiveness.
“At the same time, a comprehensive assessment of industrial parks and estates across Sarawak is being undertaken to strengthen their socio-economic, environmental and governance performance towards more efficient and sustainable industrial development.”
