‘State attracts over RM40b investments in three years’

‘State attracts over RM40b investments in three years’

Posted on July 8, 2012, Sunday

KUCHING: Sarawak has within the last two to three years attracted more than RM40 billion in investments from several national and international companies, which augurs well for its economic growth.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said this was due to the state government embarking on heavy industries using the state’s ample hydro-electric power instead of merely dependent on activities based on agriculture, timber, petroleum and gas.

Taib said this in his welcoming speech at a state dinner in honour of Czech Republic president, His Excellency Vaclav Klaus and wife Livia Klausova at the Banquet Hall of the State Legislative Assembly Building, Petra Jaya on Friday night.

The chief minister foresaw that 20 years from now, the state would be transformed into an industrial one though retain its green nature as a result of eco-tourism and the timber industry having been modernised.

Eco-tourism development would open up the interior for people to see nature, ranging from mountains to waterfalls, rapids and greenery. One such attraction is the Mulu caves, recognised by Unesco as one of nature’s richest, natural gift to the world.

Taib said in the early days, development in the state was sparse with scattered population of nearly 6,000 villages, of which 60 per cent comprised less than 50 families.

The challenge then was resettling the people into pockets of about 5,000 people to facilitate the delivery of economic activities.

Meanwhile, Klaus commended the beautiful state of Sarawak and Malaysia, saying the country had undergone tremendous tangible development.

He said his visit aimed to expand economic ties and foster relationship between the two countries.

Klaus arrived here yesterday accompanied by his wife, several ministers and members of the republic’s business community.

Head of state Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah led the state dignitaries at the dinner, which was also attended by members of the state cabinet.

The visiting president and entourage were entertained by Symphony Orchestra Sarawak (SONS) and cultural performances by artistes from the Ministry of Social Development.