Wong tries his hand operating a bulldozer. Chiong Ong is on the right.
SIBU: Sarawak will need more heavy machinery in view of the opening up of land, especially in the interior, and the implementation of infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said previously heavy machinery was basically confined to the logging and timber-related industry.
“We thought with depleting timber resources and reduction of timber-related activities there may be less heavy machinery in use, but this is not going to be so,” he said at the opening ceremony of `Borneo Heavy Machinery Fair 2014 (BHMF)’ held at the Sibu Town Square Phase II on Friday.
Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, SMC Secretary Hii Chang Kee and BHMF organising chairman David Tiong Chiong Ong were among those present.
On another matter, Wong said brain power was also vital for any state or nation to develop. He noted that over the years, Sibu had produced an abundance of brain power and they were channelled towards the transformation of the state.
“RH academy is churning out a lot of skilled labour to help some industries, and now we have Laila Taib College, University technology of Sarawak (UCTS), and later a technology park that will allow lecturers and professors to conduct research, professionals and entrepreneurs to come to Sibu. People of Sibu do not work hard, but also work smart. That is probably what made us more successful.”
Meanwhile, Chiong Ong said BHMF 2014 was the first of its kind here, and it was organised to promote Sibu as a heavy machinery distribution hub to support the development of construction, transportation, plantation and the agri-business industries.
“It provides a common platform for heavy machinery and equipment manufacturers and dealers to showcase and promote their latest range of machinery to potential and new buyers.
“I believe this is the best platform for industrial players to communicate with potential buyers and the public about advances in technology and how mechanisation will help ease the burden or support the growth of plantation, construction, transportation, and agri-business industries.”
BHMF 2014 boasts 30 booths showcasing heavy machinery from well-known brands such as Komatsu, CASE, Hyundai, Isuzu, Hino, JAC and other brands from Germany, Japan, South Korea, Europe and China.