Talib (fifth right) is seen with sponsors of the dinner. He is flanked by Soh (right) and Hii.
KUCHING: Sarawak will continue with its business-friendly policies to attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investment (DDI).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is important to transform Sarawak into a high-income economy by 2030.
“Despite global economic uncertainties, Sarawak continues to attract investment to the state.
“To date, the State Industrial Coordination Committee (ICC) has approved 43 investment projects totalling RM17.85 billion, thus creating about 10,000 employment opportunities in the state,” he said in a speech read by Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip at the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Sarawak’s first annual dinner on Wednesday.
Abang Johari also said the Sarawak government recognises the important role played by FMM for the manufacturing industry in Malaysia.
“Let’s work together in a concerted effort to continue attracting investors for a better Sarawak.
“I hope FMM Sarawak would continue to play its role in providing feedback and input of Sarawak industries to my key ministries. I hope that we will continue to have this close working rapport in looking into the interests and development of the state and the industries alike,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out several financial assistance programmes for small and medium enterprises (SME) seeking to expand their businesses such as Small and Medium Industries Loan Scheme (Spiks), Entrepreneurship Graduate (Gerak), and Technical and Vocational Entrepreneurs (Ustev).
He also said RM30 million had been approved for the Sarawak Micro Credit Scheme under the Sarawak Budget 2020 to further assist entrepreneurs in Sarawak.
“Until September 2019, a total of RM21 million has been disbursed to 252 SMEs under the Spiks programme for companies to purchase machinery, premises renovation, and as their working capital.
“Under the Gerak and Ustev programmes, a total of RM2.4 million has benefited 205 fresh graduates from the technical and vocational institutions to start and expand their businesses,” he said.
FMM president Tan Sri Datuk Soh Thian Lai called on the Sarawak government to buy Made-in-Malaysia products first for its development projects whenever local supplies meet the necessary specifications and quality standards.
He said FMM members are encouraged by the Sarawak government’s allocation of RM1.15 billion for Digital Economy Initiatives – RM750 million in 2019 and RM440 million for 2020.
“These are commendable initiatives. FMM would like to add that affordable data packages and high quality connections must come as a complete package to real-time capability in internet connectivity, especially in existing and new industrial estates,” he said.
FMM Sarawak chairman Victor Hii said government projects implemented in Sarawak should give priority and equal opportunities to Sarawak manufacturers.
By doing this, he explained it would have a spillover effect for other supporting industries while creating more employment for Sarawakians to work in their home state.
He said FMM Sarawak will publish the Sarawak Manufacturers’ Directory in 2020 as a useful reference point for potential customers and the government to identify Sarawak manufacturers and their products.
“While we welcome Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) into the state or Sarawak, it will be more meaningful if the FDIs are here to support instead of competing against the local industries.
“This will create more opportunities for the local SMEs to learn and grow at the same time. By doing this, Sarawak will then be the incubator for SMEs to transform themselves into large corporations,” he said.