KUCHING: Sarawak is calling on the federal government to provide more attractive perks to bring back professionals to work in the state.
MORE PERKS PERHAPS: Dr Chan (left) and Asfia during the dialogue session.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan said Sarawak was not short of highly qualified and skillful human resource but most of them opted to work abroad where they could earn bigger wages and live more comfortably.
They would certainly return to their homeland if they could enjoy similar perks working in the state, he felt.
Dr Chan said the state government alone would not be able to lure back these professionals because this involved policies which were under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
One of them concerns tax incentives, he told a news conference after representing Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at the Sarawak Domestic Investment Dialogue and Seminar here.
“If we can provide some form of tax exemption besides other incentives I believe many would be willing to come back. I am sure they also want to stay close to their families,” said Dr Chan. He said the state could not afford to lose more professionals especially when it required a large number of qualified and skilled human resource to fully implement Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“No doubt we have started training our own people by setting up engineering, based universities locally but what we can produce may not be able to take up all the job opportunities that will be created by SCORE, whereby in year 2030 it is estimated that about 1.5 million engineers will be required,” said the deputy chief minister.
In this context, he called on the federal government to assist in whatever ways possible to ensure the state could offer attractive perks to lure more people to work in the various heavy industries once they come into operation. Earlier, when opening the event, Dr Chan also called for more federal grants to develop more industrial estates to enhance the state’s industrial growth.
“The state requires federal grants to upgrade and maintain industrial facilities and amenities so that existing investors can continue to expand their business and grow in Sarawak.
“In this respect, we are seeking federal grants to enhance our existing facilities at industrial estates. I am sure MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) will assist us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Chan, who is also Industrial Development Minister, disclosed that his ministry together with the Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) were developing a portal known as Sarawak Business Database that will act as a link between investors and local entrepreneurs.
“Sarawak Business Database will host information on the capability and capacity of our businesses. This information can easily be retrieved by investors, especially information on specific type of products or services that these investors required.
“This will cut down on the mismatch that is generated from misinformation. Similarly, participating investors can disseminate information on their requirements through the Sarawak Business Database to our local businessmen.”
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan, who represented minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, chaired the dialogue session. Also present were State Legislative Assembly speaker Dato Sri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and other state dignitaries.