BINTULU: Continual support from the federal government, including the allocation of RM500 million for the construction of a second port, will propel Samalaju Industrial Park here into a highly-developed and competitive economic hub in the country soon.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud described Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s nod for the RM500 million allocations as a “big boost” for development around the area and in ensuring that the industrial park moved in the right direction.

“With the kind of support given (by the federal government), Bintulu will continue to attract investments, especially those related to the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE),” he said during a dinner reception on Friday for Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin, who was on a working visit here.

Taib said Bintulu Port Sdn Bhd (BPSB) had been carrying out research for the last two years in preparation for the new port that would have more facilities for larger shipments in Samalaju.

He added that although all parts of the state were now experiencing vast development, the state still had a large potential for further growth because of its abundant electricity resources, oil and gas industries, and various heavy industries.

Touching on the social impact, he said it was a big issue which needed to be tackled carefully through a proper social transformation programme.

“Regardless of whether you are Chinese, Malay, Iban, Orang Ulu, Melanau or other ethnic groups, we need to work together in this social transformation in order to preserve the prosperity and progress that has been achieved.”

(Source: Borneo Post Online, 26 February 2012)