KUCHING: The state government will continue to financially support the growth of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this move was beneficial to Sarawak because SCORE had proven itself to be an important industry player and capable of significant contribution to the construction sector.
Speaking to officiate at the 10th SCORE Anniversary Dinner at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday, Johari said since the inception of SCORE in 2008, the state had recorded an average economic growth of 3.2%.
Johari said the state’s nominal GDP in 2008 was RM86.9bil and was anticipated to be RM145.2bil in 2018.
“Our nominal GDP per capita in 2008 stood at RM36,075 and is RM51,925 in 2018. SCORE has contributed significantly to the economic performance of the state, especially through its public and private investments.
“As I mentioned during my Budget Speech 2019, the state economy is estimated to grow at 4.6%for 2018 and 5% for 2019 despite the challenges faced in the national and global economies.
“The manufacturing sector is estimated to grow by 3.5% in 2018. I would like to acknowledge here that the industries in Samalaju Industrial Park have contributed significantly to the growth of the manufacturing sector in the state,” said Johari.
He added, with the setting up of more industries and the expansion of the existing industries, the investment in Samalaju Industrial Park will continue to play significant roles to boost the growth and development of the state’s manufacturing sector.
“We have also recorded growth in the construction sector, which is expected to remain strong at 5.1% in 2018. This has also attributed to the development of factories and physical infrastructure projects within SCORE,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also said that over the last 10 years, a total of 208 km of roads were constructed. These projects included access roads to Murum HEP, access roads to Baram, access roads to Sangan and access roads within the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub.
“Besides roads, water supply projects totalling a capacity of 126 MLD were also completed. These projects were meant for investors in the Samalaju Industrial Park and to boost up the water supply for Mukah. Infrastructure projects such as roads, new townships and service centres were also completed.
“To meet the requirement of heavy industries and to make Samalaju Industrial Park attractive to investors, the Samalaju Industrial Port was also completed. To support the development of Mukah as a Smart City and an Education Hub, the new Mukah Airport is now under construction.
“Telecommunication infrastructures were also constructed to meet the demands of investors who utilised digital technology for their daily business and operation. The total cost of all these projects is in the tune of more than RM5bil.
“The Murum HEP Dam was also completed at a cost of RM4.7bil. The Baleh HEP Dam, costing RM9.8bil, is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2025. Therefore, it is no doubt that the massive infrastructure projects implemented in the SCORE areas have contributed significantly towards the robust growth of the construction sector in the state.
“With more funding, especially from the state government, for the implementation of infrastructure and amenities projects in the SCORE areas in the years to come, it will definitely have impact on the impressive growth of the construction sector,” he pointed out.
