BINTULU: Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) will study manpower supply as well as transportation with reference to the implementation of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).

“In announcing this, Chief Minister Pehin Seri Abdul Taib Mahmud, who is also BDA chairman, said after 30 years of developing Bintulu, the authority had a proven track record.

“Nobody can deny BDA’s record in developing Bintulu. It should be given credit,” he said, adding that the dedication of all those who worked for the authority was among the major factors in its success. About the study on manpower supply, he said it was vital to ensure that there was control in the movements of people once the development of areas in the corridor had begun, he said.

“The transportation of things such as pulp and paper and other products from Bintulu to other areas must be known,” he said at BDA’s 30th anniversary dinner at the town’s civic centre Saturday evening.

He hoped that for the next 20 years or so, all projects in the corridor would have better planning being part and parcel of the state tactical development in transforming the region. Taib also pointed out that the government had always emphasised cautiousness when planning and implementing coastal development projects, especially in new areas.

“We cannot rush because we ought to know what and how to implement,” he said. While speaking about developing Similajau, he joked that it is quite difficult to pronounce the name ‘Similajau’. “Why not change the name to Samalaju (fast forward together) which sounds better?” he said.

On Bintulu, he observed that it had turned into a major industrial town in the region, and that it would not be long in achieve its vision to become ‘Friendly Industrial City’ by the year 2020.

It is the centre of heavy industries, and will see better and bigger development, he said, adding that once it has become a city, it would grow even bigger.He reminded BDA that while it is looking at its development programmes and plans, it should not forget or neglect to make Bintulu an attractive and people-friendly place. He said among the facilities that could attract people are sports and recreational parks, family parks, education facilities, cultural heritage, and commercial centres.

On education facilities, Taib also suggested that it would be even better if there is a technical education centre here.

This, he said, would attract people to undergo technical training here, and hence would provide information about the control of manpower flow.

BDA deputy chairman Datuk Sri Celestine Ujang, State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Alfred Jabu Numpang, Resident Dr Razali Abon, Kemena assemblyman Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, and Senator Pau Chiong Ung were among those present at the function where BDA general manager Mohidin Ishak also spoke.