WE MAKE THIS: Jabu (right) holding one of the materials produced by Pertama as Taib (second right), Hirotaka (left) and others look on.
BINTULU: Samalaju Industrial Park near here is expected to trigger greater development for the benefit of future generations in the next 20 years, says Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
“Job opportunities and the knowledge needed to meet these opportunities will increase,” he said during the groundbreaking ceremony of Pertama Ferroalloys’ manganese and silicon smelting plant at Samalaju Industrial Park yesterday.
Also present at the function was AML & Pertama Ferroalloys Sdn Bhd chairman Hirotaka Suzuki.
Taib added that the plant was another historic event in the making that would initiate many other spin-offs later on.
“It looks relatively small when compared to the aluminium industry but it is equally important because it’s the basis of the industries here.
“If you can get aluminium and manganese here, you have all the reason to expect, industries using these materials to be here because they will find it more convenient,” he added.
It is also now quite urgent to build a new township in Samalaju and according to Taib a consortium of companies have been assembled to develop the first residential area and service centre less than 4km from the Pertama Ferroalloys manganese and silicon smelting plant.
This he said will bring much convenience to the people nearby.
“I admit that I was a bit worried two years ago as to whether everything could be done in time and much to my pleasure I see all the contract work and private sectors being able to fulfil their commitment in time and some ahead of time,” he said.
In his speech Taib also made reference to Japanese companies and the need to have good working relationships with them.
“We must try to build network of good friendly relationships according to the philosophy of the company.
“This approach is not only confined to one company because Japan has changed all its corporate policies in the last one generation,” he said.
He was also glad that Japan has allowed some of its industries to be sited outside Japan in order to give room for the better technology and ensure wise use of their limited resources.
He said it is important for the Japanese to have a good relationship with every host country where their industries are sited and this is a very good way to spread goodwill and to introduce corporate policies that even Sarawak as a host country can learn a lot from.
On another matter, Taib said the state government would not talk much environmental issues anymore, as it is part of its policy to ensure environmental protection is part and parcel of development.
Taib also thanked AML for being the first ferroalloys manganese industry in Malaysia.
“It has brought Sarawak into the position of serving a long chain in the process of industrialisation in Asia.
“I think we are lucky to be part of that chain, supplying manufactured and semi-manufactured goods.”