SIBU: The possibility of establishing a light industrial estate here, focusing on food and services, will be looked into, says Assistant Minister of Industrial Development (Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi.
He told reporters this when asked on Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee’s call for the setting up of a light industrial estate mainly for Halal food.
“I will bring up the matter to my minister (Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan) and see what we can do.
“In fact, we have light industrial estate here but this one is specifically for food-based and other services.
“I will take it up and see what we can do (to assist). I will also talk to the relevant agencies, for example, LCDA, to see how to assist the SMEs here especially those wanting to have light industrial estate to develop their products,” added Julaihi, who is also Assistant Minister of Rural Development.
The Sebuyau assemblyman said Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce had mentioned of a site in Kemuyang which had to be studied further.
Dr Annuar in his speech at the closing of a course on food processing technology at MUC Hall in Bandong Road here, said he had proposed for the establishing of light industrial estate for small traders and business operators
He said this was crucial to enable the assembly, processing and distribution could be carried out in one place.
Dr Annuar also mentioned the importance of competition to enhance business operators’ capability.
He said Sibu was an ideal place to do business, saying those who emerged victorious could ply their trade anywhere.
On the popular Bandong Walk, he envisioned to make it into a ‘food haven’ for locals and visitors alike.
It has 23 stalls and efforts are underway to expand it to the other side of the road due to the good response.
He also noted that traders at MUC Hall were enjoying better business due to the improved facilities there.
Asked to respond to the announcement on his candidacy by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, Dr Annuar said: “This is just an advice for us to work early.
“With the announcement, I can give focus to PBB machinery to ensure victory.
“This is the only reason why CM made the early announcement so that work can be planned out early and systematically to ensure a comfortable win for BN.”
PKR Sibu Abdul Rafidin Majidi is reported to eye the seat and recently former PKR Sibu chairman Simon Tiong announced his intention to contest in Nangka.