SIBU: The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Sibu branch has been urged to get its members ready in terms of skills and abilities in anticipation of significant development in the town.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said with the Kampung Datuk and Bukit Assek redevelopment plan underway by the Sarawak government, it will surely involve a lot of projects.
“For example, the redevelopment of Kampung Datuk, and the development of Bukit Assek, which is estimated to cost around RM7 billion, it seems unlikely that DUBS will secure any portion of these projects or businesses in construction.
“However, DUBS must look forward and be prepared. Its members must have the skills, efficiency, and capacity to participate in these developments, or else they will remain bystanders indefinitely,” he said.
Dr Annuar said this at the presentation of heavy machinery from DUBS Holding Sdn Bhd to DUBS Sibu branch at Sibu Islamic Complex here Saturday (Mar 2).
He also stressed that DUBS must collaborate with Chinese community business associations such as Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI).
“In Sibu, we must collaborate with the Chinese community; you cannot deny that. DUBS cannot go solo in Sibu, you have to work together with the SCCCI.
“Many projects under Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) can be leveraged by DUBS but the crucial point is that the capacity of DUBS members must be on par with or at least competitive with others. Only then can DUBS stand up in Sibu,” he added.
He stressed that the government will always provide opportunities for the people, but they have to seize the opportunities given.
“To seize those opportunities, you have to be ready now. I can tell you there will be a lot of development, a lot of construction happening in Sibu in the next 10 years. In terms of licences and capacity, DUBS needs to prepare its members.
“For Kemuyang for instance 700-800 houses will be built. There is a road approved by the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, costing RM92 million from Kemuyang to Pasai.
“That road will link Kemuyang to Pasai and Teku, where there will be huge land (to be develop). You (DUBS) have to look after that, or else you will fall behind,” he said.
