SIBU: The establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), with an initial allocation of RM1.5 billion, will provide a more coordinated platform for the city’s economic development, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the SEZ would focus on attracting investment, strengthening the service sector and creating more high-value employment opportunities as Sibu moves towards a more sustainable and competitive economy.
Speaking at the Associated Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sarawak’s (ACCCIS) Annual General Meeting at Kingwood Hotel here today (Sept 19), Dr Sim said the Sarawak Government had agreed in principle to establish the SEZ as a dedicated platform to coordinate Sibu’s economic development.
He said Sibu’s economic future would also be supported by stronger connectivity and industrial capacity, including the proposed West Bank Bridge and the Sibu Industrial Park, which is scheduled for completion in 2029.
“The proposed Bukit Assek redevelopment, which has received in-principle approval, is another important long-term initiative aimed at moving Sibu towards a more sustainable and higher-value economic direction,” he said.
Dr Sim stressed that government development alone could not unlock Sibu’s or Sarawak’s full economic potential, with the private sector having an equally important role in translating policies, infrastructure and development platforms into actual investment, business activity and employment.
“The government will continue to provide the policy direction, infrastructure and platforms for growth, while businesses must be prepared to invest, innovate and identify new opportunities,” he said.
He also urged ACCCIS to continue bringing together businesses from different parts of Sarawak and strengthening cooperation among the various chambers.
“Through closer government-business collaboration, we can build a stronger, more resilient and more competitive Sarawak economy,” he said.
Dr Sim said Sarawak was entering an important phase of economic transformation and must move beyond traditional industries by developing new economic sectors as well as knowledge and technical capabilities.
Among the key areas identified for future growth were renewable and green energy, semiconductors, healthcare, digitalisation and technology-related industries.
He also welcomed ACCCIS’ launch of its Digital Membership Database Management System, describing it as a positive step that demonstrated the organisation’s commitment to digitalisation and aligned with Sarawak’s broader transformation towards a more digital and technology-driven economy.
Dr Sim said ACCCIS and its affiliated chambers had over the years provided an important platform for business networking, policy dialogue, capacity building and engagement between the Government and the business community.
He encouraged ACCCIS to continue serving as a constructive bridge between the Government and businesses, particularly by identifying practical issues affecting the business community and contributing ideas towards Sarawak’s economic development.
He also commended ACCCIS for extending its contribution beyond business advocacy through initiatives promoting environmental awareness, resource recycling and sustainable living.
He cited the ‘How To Retain The Blue Sky” Eco-Enzyme Public Workshop in 2024 and ‘How To Retain The Blue Sky 2.0: Five Eco Enzyme Lessons’ in 2026 as examples of ACCCIS’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Dr Sim said he was pleased to officiate the second workshop in June this year, which also saw eco-enzyme initiatives extended to schools to encourage environmental awareness among students.
He said such initiatives were aligned with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which placed economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability as the three key dimensions of the state’s development vision.
“Environmental protection is not only an ecological responsibility. It is also increasingly connected to the future economy, including green industries, renewable energy and new high-value opportunities,” he said.
Among those present were Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s (ACCCIM) President Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, ACCCIS’ President Kong Chiong Ung, Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s President Kapitan Ngu Ing Hong, and ACCCIS’ Honorary Presidents Datuk Sim Hock Guan, Datuk Sia Hiong Ngee, Hu Yu Siong and Lee Khoi Yun.
