Association wants local manufacturers to be afforded ‘foreigner’ rates
KUCHING: Sarawak Manufacturers Association (SMA) wants the government to formulate a competitive energy cost to give an edge to local manufacturers.
Its president Joseph Lau said under the prevailing policy, foreign investors enjoy lower energy costs than local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“The foreign investors will leave once they find a better place (to operate). We Sarawakians stay and continue to strive to grow the state economy. We should enjoy the same rate (as foreign investors),” he said at a press conference here yesterday.
According to him, SMEs are significant in terms of number and are the backbone of the Malaysian economy, providing job opportunities to the people and developing the economy of the country.
He said SMA also wants the government to make improvements in land transport and coastal shipping, adding that major ports in Kuching, Sibu and Miri need to be upgraded to become more competitive.
“More support needs to be given to local products as local manufacturers struggle with small domestic market and stiff competition from out- of- state players,” he added.
Lau went on to urge more manufacturers to unite under SMA for the association to be the voice of manufacturers in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, SMA will be holding its 55th anniversary dinner on May 5 at Imperial Hotel here.
Tickets are priced RM100 per person. Members and nonmembers can purchase tickets at SMA’s office at Mile 2 1/2. For more details, call 082-244682.