KUCHING: Caring for people’s health during the Covid-19 pandemic while managing the economy and maintaining political stability of the state is not an easy task.

       Yet, Sarawak managed to secure domestic and foreign direct investments worth RM15.7bil, with some of the discussions being held only virtually.

       Some of the potential investors were also willing to come to the state and undergo a two-week quarantine to seek certainty and make a prompt decision about their plans.

       Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (pic) and Sarawak trade and industry officials attended to all their questions even outside their working hours and during weekends.

       In an interview with Bernama, Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development, shared their “recipe” for success and future plans.

       Here are excerpts of the interview:

       What are the initiatives and strategies implemented by the state government in ensuring that Sarawak continues to be one of the country’s top magnets, especially for foreign investors?The existing policy (on investment), a business-friendly policy, is one of the policies that attract investors, and in this case and apart from the incentives from the Federal Government, we, the state government, also provide our own incentives, especially in terms of very competitive electricity and water tariff, land premium and even a rebate if the investor is able to complete the project within the stipulated time period.

       We have succeeded in that area, but more needs to be improved in terms of facilities in the industrial estate. This is important for the investors. We are very fortunate in terms of our very strategic location, only six hours to China by flight, and we are upgrading our road connectivity, our sea connectivity (ports) and air connectivity (airports).

       On investments in the industrial sector, are there investors who are keen on starting a new industry in Sarawak and if there are, when will the development of the new industry begin?The Sarawak government, through the post-Covid-19 development strategy, has set six economic sectors to be given emphasis, namely manufacturing, agriculture, commercial, tourism, forestry, communications and social services. These sectors will be strengthened with seven enablers – digital transformation, innovation, basic infrastructure, transportation, utilities, renewable energy as well as education and human capital development.

       There are already investors who are showing interest in investing in new fields, especially in green energy, and also in the hydrogen industry. In fact, we recently held a virtual meeting with investors from Australia who are interested in investing in the hydrogen industry. Last week, the Chief Minister and I had a virtual discussion with investors from South Korea who incorporated several large companies such as Samsung, Posco and Lotte Chemical.

       In the oil and gas sector, we will accelerate the development of this industry both at the upstream and downstream levels. Emphasis will be given to downstream sectors such as the petrochemical industry.

       We have also appointed a consultant to formulate a masterplan for the oil and gas industry, especially high-value downstream activities involving the areas of Samalaju, Bintulu, Kidurong, Tanjung Manis, Lawas and Kuching.

       In the timber sector, we are the largest producer of vernier plywood. We export this product especially to Japan, South Korea and China and we will further develop the wood-based industries, especially towards high value-added products, as in furniture.

       The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy or SCORE, which is now 13 years old, is sure to be a major investment focus area in Sarawak. Are there other areas in Sarawak that have been identified as new investment focus areas?SCORE is a development corridor covering the central and northern parts of Sarawak and it attracts a lot of foreign direct investments.

       For sure we want to emphasise the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water supply, electricity and telecommunications so that we can plan what (type of) development should be built. For example, in Hulu Rajang, there is the Hulu Rajang Development Agency. This is where Bakun Hydro and Murum, and also Baleh (which is under construction) are located. That is not only to give us enough electricity supply but the area can be developed as a resort.

       It will be an attraction for ecotourism, and due to its vast area, it can be developed according to the suitability of a place, such as for commercial aquaculture. It has its own resources and uniqueness and has even been declared as a national park.

       Samalaju is a vast industrial area, home to multinational corporations with a total investment that has now reached RM28.43bil with an estimated annual spinoff of RM4bil. To date, 6,654 job opportunities have been created, and 68% are local workers.

       All these investment activities recorded an export value of RM9.4bil in 2020.

       We will further expand Sama Jaya High-Tech Park in Kuching. This is a prime location for high-tech-based industries. Thus far, there are already several multinational companies operating, and it involves big investment.

       It has been a successful investment at Sama Jaya High Tech Park with 13,761 employees, and job opportunities were created with 99% of them locals, including in management or upper levels. The total investment in Sama Jaya has now reached RM17.5bil, with an annual spinoff of RM667mil. For 2020, the export value of Sama Jaya High Tech Park is RM6.93bil.

       At the same time, we will set up Furniture Parks in Kuching and in Tanjung Manis.

       We also provide venues for agricultural development, such as Food Basket in Betong, Sarikei and Mukah. We will develop Agro Park in several areas, such as Lubok Tamang, Asajaya and Sungai Baji in Sarikei.

       We also emphasise the development of industrial estates in small towns statewide.

       At the very least, we must have one industrial estate in every division, not only for foreign and local investors, but it is also important to provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises.

       Another focus is the shipping industry. We plan to develop an area in Tanjung Manis and turn the Tanjung Manis Marine Engineering Park in Paloh, in the Mukah division, into shipbuilding, repair, and marine engineering industrial area.

       Holistically, the Sarawak government, led by Gabungan Parti Sarawak, has succeeded in pursuing the development agenda in Sarawak, despite the pandemic and uncertain economic growth. A solid foundation for us to continue to develop Sarawak is political stability, and the integrity of the government supported by the people.

       Secondly, we have a peaceful state and its people, although multiracial, and in terms of religion are also different, but we all live in harmony, united, and cooperate with each other. Our differences are not a problem for us in Sarawak, but a strength.

       When we established Unifor (Unit for Other Religion) it was welcomed by all communities, including the Muslim community. For Muslims, we already have the Islamic Religious Council and the Islamic Religious Department. We set up Unifor to create a harmonious society, living together even though we are of different religious beliefs.