LIMBANG: Empowering heavy machinery assets can enhance the capability and competitiveness of local contractors here while opening wider opportunities for Bumiputera entrepreneurs to participate in the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said ownership of machinery assets would strengthen the ability of local contractors to carry out projects more independently without relying heavily on external parties.
Abdul Rahman said the move would not only improve operational efficiency but also help reduce high costs caused by dependence on rented machinery.
“The Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) must seize this opportunity. Most importantly, we need to enhance our knowledge and expertise in managing these projects,” he said in an UKAS report during the handover ceremony of Komatsu and JCB heavy machinery contributed by DUBS Central through DUBS Holdings Sdn Bhd to the DUBS Limbang branch recently.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of maintenance, repairs and spare parts provision to ensure all machinery remains in optimal condition and can be used continuously.
According to him, efforts to establish a machinery depot have also become a priority as a more systematic and organised asset management centre in Limbang.
In this regard, he pledged an additional allocation of RM50,000, comprising RM30,000 for DUBS Limbang for depot development, RM5,000 for DUBS activities and another RM20,000 channelled to Koperasi Kekal.
He said the depot development is expected to involve the use of a site within the town area, either on a rental or pro bono basis, with basic costs estimated at between RM20,000 and RM25,000, including paving works, gravel installation and basic fencing.
He said the move is important to strengthen logistical support in Limbang, which has a unique geographical position, while helping bridge regional development gaps.
He added that ownership of the machinery assets is also in line with the Sarawak government’s aggressive infrastructure development agenda, particularly in the northern region of the state, thus creating more structured synergy between agencies and local industry players.
At the same time, he called on the local business community to continue strengthening unity and enhancing skills to fully utilise the assistance and facilities provided by the government.
“What is important is that we remain committed to managing DUBS and working together to develop the entrepreneurial sector.
“These entrepreneurs are not only contractors, but also include food operators, restaurant owners and homestay operators, which are growing rapidly in Limbang,” he said.
He expressed hope that the handover of the assets would serve as a starting point for DUBS Limbang to emerge as a more independent and highly competitive organisation capable of playing a bigger role in driving local economic development.
