New Airport and Seaport for Sarawak
December 30, 2024
KUCHING (Jan 2): The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (Score) region has recorded RM123 billion in cumulative approved investments since 2008, projected to create 53,829 job opportunities, said Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Ismawi Ismuni.
A significant contributor to this success is the Samalaju Industrial Park (SIP) in Bintulu, a hub for global investments in steel and solar manufacturing, he added.
“As of 2024, SIP has 14 approved investors in operation, with a total approved investment of RM51.6 billion, underscoring Sarawak’s status as a power-rich investment destination,” Ismawi said in a statement.
Recoda has been instrumental in driving Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aligning its efforts with the Federal Agenda Ekonomi Madani to transform the region into a high-income, developed economy by 2030.
As of 2024, Recoda successfully implemented 275 infrastructure projects across the Score region, encompassing roads, bridges, utility infrastructure, and poverty eradication initiatives.
Notably, the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda), Highland Development Agency (HDA), and Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) completed 138 projects, with 64 currently underway and 45 in the planning or tendering stages.
Looking ahead, transformative infrastructure projects are set to begin in the second quarter of 2025, including the Northern Coastal Highway (NCH) in Limbang and Lawas, roads linking Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu, and Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL), as well as Phase 1 of the New Lawas Airport.
“These projects will bring Sarawak closer to achieving a comprehensive road network, ensuring better connectivity for communities in the interior and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development,” Ismawi said.
In addition to infrastructure, Recoda’s COMMUNITY@SCORE initiative has positively impacted over 2,000 individuals, focusing on industries such as agriculture, aquaculture, and education while fostering the development of religious hubs and community facilities.
Under the Ministry of Economy, programs like Basmi Miskin Tegar (BMT) and Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR) have shown measurable success in poverty eradication.
For example, the BMT program transitioned 55 participants from hardcore poverty to poverty status, while the Inisiatif Usahawan Makanan (IPR-INSAN) program enabled entrepreneurs like Siti Hajar to achieve a gross income of RM7,287 in her first month of vending machine operations at LCDA Tower.
“These initiatives underscore Recoda’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development, alleviating poverty, and empowering communities across Sarawak,” said Ismawi.
Expressing gratitude to leaders, investors, and stakeholders, Ismawi acknowledged their critical roles in overcoming challenges and driving progress.
“As we step into 2025, let us carry forward the momentum we have built together, embracing new challenges and opportunities with the same determination and shared vision that have brought us this far.
“Together, we will shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Sarawak,” he said, extending New Year wishes of prosperity, health, and success.
News Credit: Borneo Post
