SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang has set a ‘Made in Sarawak’ goal for the tyre industry to achieve in the state.
Speaking at the Sarawak Tyre Dealers & Retreaders Association’s (STDRA) 45th anniversary celebration dinner here recently he said this is well within their capability.
Explaining, he said, the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway and the continuous improvement of road connectivity, transportation, and logistics, has further boosted the development momentum of the tyre industry.
“According to my understanding, the current market for imported tyres is vast, with many advantages in terms of quality, safety, and testing standards, but the main challenge lies in their high prices.
“Sarawak has abundant talents, technology, manpower, expertise, resources, equipment, and science. If we can work together, then one day we will definitely build our own tyre manufacturing and research base.”
He said the brand ‘Made in Sarawak’ can therefore be established, further enhancing the competitiveness of the state’s tyre industry and creating a glorious chapter in business history.
“If possible, I hope STDRA pools resources and achieves the dream of producing ‘Made in Sarawak’ tyres.
“Producing tyres locally in Sarawak would be a breakthrough step, marking the rise of Sarawak’s own domestic tyre brand with economic efficiency that cannot be ignored,” Tiang added.
He also suggested that STDRA establish waste tyre recycling centres in the various divisions.
According to him, this would allow systematic tyre recycling, helping reduce environmental pollution, since the disposal of waste tyres remains a global issue.
“Tyre recycling can also turn waste into wealth,” he said, illustrating his point by explaining how the concept of “rubberised roads” is being used in the United States.
He said by mixing recycled tyres into construction materials, roads become more durable and resistant to damage.
On average, 10 to 12 standard tyres, he said, can be used to pave one metre of road.
As such, he proposed STDRA cooperate or exchange views with the Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD) to establish localised “rubberised road” pilot projects.
“I am willing to play the role of a bridge builder to support research and development of tyre recycling technology, so that in the future, this can become a patented brand advantage belonging to Sarawak,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tiang pointed out that under the leadership of Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak’s economy is rapidly developing across all sectors – industry, agriculture, forestry, mining, fisheries, services, and more.
Compared to other regions, Sarawak’s unique geographical advantages, vast land, rich resources, stable political environment, and long-term development strategies have placed the state in an important position.
In addition, he said,Sarawak’s natural environment is exceptionally unique, blessed with abundant natural resources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy, which can be transformed into renewable energy sources.
Stating that green energy is the driving force of future economic growth, he called on the tyre industry players to seize this opportunity and actively invest in green business models.
Among those present were Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Wong Soon Koh; Malaysia Association of Tyre Retreaders & Dealers Societies (MATRDS) President, Goh Kiang Weng; STDRA’s Chairman, Lim King Hong; and organising chairman, Ngieng Hock Teck.
