SIBU: The establishment of the Sibu Economic Zone (SEZ), with an initial allocation of RM1.5 billion, is expected to catalyse Sibu’s economic transformation towards high-value sectors while creating more opportunities for highly skilled jobs.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian said the SEZ, which has been agreed to in principle by the State Government, would provide a dedicated platform to coordinate Sibu’s economic development.

He said the development of the SEZ would focus on investment, the services sector and the creation of highly skilled job opportunities.

“The Sarawak Government has agreed in principle to establish the SEZ as a dedicated platform to coordinate Sibu’s economic development.

“The development of the SEZ will emphasise investment, the services sector and the creation of highly skilled job opportunities,” he said in his speech at the Annual General Meeting of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) at a hotel here on Saturday.

Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim stressed that Sibu’s economic transformation needed to be supported by improved connectivity and industrial capacity, including through the proposed West Bank Bridge and Sibu Industrial Park, which are scheduled for completion in 2029.

“The proposed redevelopment of Bukit Assek, which has received approval in principle, is also among the long-term initiatives aimed at moving Sibu towards a more sustainable and high-value economy,” he said.

He added that Sarawak was now at a critical stage of its economic transformation and needed to explore new sectors such as renewable energy, semiconductors, healthcare, digitalisation and technology.

In this regard, Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim urged the business community to increase investment and innovation and explore new opportunities, with the Government continuing to provide policies, infrastructure and platforms to support economic growth. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng