DUN Sarawak: SDZ needs to be translated into productive investment

KUCHING, Oct 15: Proposed development of Sibu Special Economic Zone (SDZ) with initial allocation of RM1.5 billion should be translated into productive investment, quality employment opportunities and increased incomes of the people, said Bawang Assan Member of State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

He said that SDZ's success should not be measured on the basis of allocation alone, but rather depends on its ability to attract investors, strengthen local businesses and create better-paying jobs.

"The prosperity of the SDZ will not be determined solely by the size of its allocation.

"It depends on our ability to translate that allocation into productive investment, sustainable business, better-paying jobs and higher incomes for our people", he said while addressing Sarawak Budget 2027 at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference, today.

He proposed a five-year development framework, from 2027 to 2031, covering the preparation of master plans, infrastructure development, investment attraction efforts, labour training and expansion of food manufacturing and processing activities.

"By 2031, the impact of SDZs should be assessed based on realised investments, the number of jobs created, wage growth and benefits to local communities", he said.

Soon Koh also emphasized that the development of Sibu requires cooperation from government, local authorities, private sector, business council, educational institutions and society.

He suggested the establishment of a Sibu SDZ Development Advisory Council to align priorities, encourage local business participation and ensure implementation of projects meet people's needs.

He said the development of SDZs should go beyond industrial areas by linking them to education, agriculture, tourism, housing and rural development sectors.

"Sibu also has the potential to be strengthened as a regional education hub, agricultural crop processing hub and cultural-based tourism destination and Rajang River, besides continuing to develop shipbuilding industry and small and medium enterprises", he said.