BAU: The Sarawak government will explore new ‘gold’ to develop the district, rather than rejuvenating the antimony and gold mining activities which are no longer economical today.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that although Bau was active in these activities in the olden days as far back as 1820, the Geological Department had given a negative feedback on the pursuit of the gold mining industry.
“This means there are not many economical deposits for Bau to pursue. If that is the case, what’s the point of pursuing the industry? So we have to find ‘gold’ as an alternative and scientists say it is the ‘big data’.
“We will collect all the data on the history, culture and attractions in Bau and with this, we can have sustainable economic activities that can benefit Bau,” he said when officiating at the Bau Bicentennial Celebration (BBC) 2020 held at Tasik Biru (Blue Lake) here today.
Abang Johari further disclosed that the state government had allocated a total of RM129 million to develop Bau in the past two years.
“There are also other new development projects including infrastructure requested by Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep which will bring the total development funds for Bau to RM223 million,” he added.
Abang Johari also mentioned that the state government had allocated RM40 million to provide water supply from Bau up to Lundu and Sematan; the ongoing project was expected to be completed next year.
“Apart from upgrading the Pan Borneo Highway Project, we are also constructing a dual carriageway to connect Batu Kitang; it will pass through Siniawan and go up to Bau,” he continued.
Abang Johari believed that Bau had a bright future ahead and that the development projects would attract the private sector when they were completed.
“For the next ten years, the private and public sectors will work together to develop the whole Bau district,” he said.
