New shipbuilding zone to provide ample opportunity for industry’s development

Speaking at a Chinese New Year gathering organised by the United Chinese Association (UCA) Sibu, Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had approved the project.
UCA Sibu chairman Datuk Lau Nai Ho requested for the project from Taib during his Chinese New Year visit last week.
Wong pointed out that there was no more room for expansion at Rantau Panjang shipbuilding zone.
“A new place is absolutely necessary,” he said, adding that the land at Bawang Assan would be easily accessible via the Sibu-Tanjong Manis Road which would be completed at the end of this year.
The building of quality ships has put Sibu on the world map and the new shipbuilding zone would provide ample opportunity for further development of the industry in central Sarawak, he said.
Taib, he said, had also approved 3.5 acres next to Agape Centre for the centre’s expansion. The land would be used to build a factory for mentally-challenged adults to make furniture. Also part of the project is a hostel for the workers.
The centre for mentally-challenged children houses five organisations namely Special Olympics Sibu, Methodist Care Centre, Sibu Autistic Association, Association for Children with Special Needs, and Lau King Howe Children’s Clinic.
Besides the Agape Centre, Wong said the people of Sibu was grateful to Taib for having approved land for a number of projects which included Chinese schools and colleges, churches and temples besides non-governmental organisations here.
He also recalled that Taib had reduced the land premium, and set aside 2,000ha for Chinese independent secondary schools.
On other requests and demands from the Chinese community which were made from time to time, he assured that they would be brought to the State Government for consideration.
He observed that in recent months, certain quarters were engaged in political polemics, trying to discredit and tarnish the image of leaders in the state including his and Taib’s.
He claimed that they had been making unsubstantiated allegations, malicious rumours and speculations that Chinese issues in Sibu had been swept under the carpet.
“I say that Chinese issues are of paramount importance to us. We have always been brought them to the attention of the State Government,” he said.