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Locals urged to take advantage of spin-offs from heavy industries
Posted on : 06 Feb 2018  Source of News: The Borneo Post
 

 

BINTULU: The two heavy industry areas in Bintulu, namely Kidurong and Samalaju, have at least RM30 billion in foreign investments with some already in operation and some in various stages of development.

These industries create lots of spin-off activities that could benefit the local contractors and entrepreneurs, said Assistant Minister of Entrepreneur and Small, Medium Enterprise (SME) Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.

He said among the spin-offs are maintenance works, supply of parts and other requirements like food, clothing, transportation and travel, laundry, construction, housekeeping, saloon, spa and many more. Even maintenance works get to have about RM1.5 billion or five per cent of the total investment amount of RM30 billion, he added.

“Other spin-off activities easily require 10 per cent, and this is about RM3 billion, so we will have a total of RM4.5 billion for local contractors and entrepreneurs to grab in Bintulu alone.

“This is one of the very reasons why the state government started Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), side by side with the existing Kidurong industrial estate not only to make Sarawak an exporter state but more importantly to create opportunities for locals in areas of employment as well as business opportunities for Sarawakians,” Naroden elaborated.

The assistant minister was representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to officiate the fundraising dinner and World Qipao Pageant Borneo Section 2018 grand finale here on Sunday.

Pointing out that this is a very good opportunity for every Sarawakian, especially businessmen and businesswomen from Bintulu, he urged entrepreneurs to work closely with the investors in both the industrial estates in Kidurong and Samalaju, given that they need the services of locals.

Naroden reminded that the world had changed because of technology and the internet which had affected the lives of the people.

“As long as we embrace technology it will change the way we work. Technology was created to assist us and now we can send information and photos including short videos easily, especially to our customers.

“The internet allows us to promote and advertise our products to a wider market. Technology and internet give us the same level playing field, meaning no matter where you are, no matter how big or small your investment, with internet you can do the same like the big players,” said Naroden, who is also the Assistant Minister of E-Commerce.

Reminding that the state government was now embarking on digital economy, he urged local players to work closely with the government agencies on how to capitalise on the opportunities in the downstream activities.

On another matter, Naroden congratulated the main organising committee for holding the fundraising dinner to raise funds to buy the Apheresis platelet machine worth RM275,000 for Bintulu hospital.

“I pray this noble cause will be successful, for the sake of the people in Bintulu,” he said before announcing his personal donation of RM10,000 for the cause.

Bintulu Hospital Board of Visitors chairman Pemanca Datuk Dr Francis Toh, who also spoke, expressed his gratitude to the main organising committee for their efforts.

“The main purpose of organising this fundraising is to buy the Apheresis platelet machine. There are only three places that are equipped with this machine; namely Kuching, Miri and Sibu.

“In Bintulu we don’t have this machine but if we have this machine, one donor can save three lives. In the normal procedure to take the platelet we need four persons to save only one life and it is the main reason Bintulu hospital really needs this machine to save more lives,” said Dr Toh.

Also present were Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat, Qipao Association Bintulu chairlady Florence Teoh, Datuk Pui Kian Onn representing Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Bintulu Development Authority general manager Rodziah Morshidi, Sarawak Land Kemena Park director Troy Yaw, Bintulu district officer Mataip Sayu and Bintulu Hospital director Dr Davis Johnraj.

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