TANJUNG MANIS: An investment of RM50.25 million to build a spun pile and pole factory in Tanjung Manis is expected to strengthen the manufacturing sector and downstream industries in the area.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the investment by PMW Winabumi (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd reflects investor confidence in Sarawak's industrial potential.

"This investment will create opportunities for local businesses and communities, particularly in employment, the provision of logistics services and other related services," he said.

He said this when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for PMW International Berhad Spun Pile and Pole Factory in Tanjung Manis on Monday.

The factory, to be developed on a 29-acre site along the Rajang River, will have a production capacity of 10,683 tonnes of products per month.

Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027, with full production targeted for early 2028.

Datuk Amar Awang Tengah said the factory aims to source more than 50 per cent of its raw material requirements from local suppliers to expand the participation of local businesses in the industrial supply chain.

"At the same time, emphasis must be placed on technology transfer and knowledge sharing to enhance the skills of the local workforce and ensure local communities also benefit from the economic spillover of this investment," he said.

He added that the investment is expected to strengthen the industrial ecosystem in Tanjung Manis through the expansion of the manufacturing sector, greater participation of local businesses and workforce skills development.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Tanjong Manis Member of Parliament Dato Ir Yusuf Abdul Wahab, Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) SME Advisor Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and other guests. -UKASnews