‘Include S’wakian Bumis in federal mega projects’
KUCHING: Deputy Sarawak Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has called upon the federal government to enact policies meant to involve Sarawakian Bumiputera contractors in federal-funded mega projects.
He said for Sarawak, the involvement of its Bumiputera entrepreneurs in these projects would help them enhance their level of competitiveness.
“We want (the enactment of) government policies so that some components of large projects funded by the federal government can be ‘carved out’ for Sarawak Bumiputera contractors, from the planning stage right up to implementation,” he said in his speech for the closing ceremony of ‘Bumiputera Economic Congress’ (KEB) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Awang Tengah also said the federal government should create special incentives such as venture capital schemes for Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS) towards creating a space for Sarawakian Bumiputera entrepreneurs to explore and penetrate a wider market that would meet all the set requirements and regulations such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and halal certifications.
He said all forms of applications for incentives and assistance should be simplified so as to do away with unnecessary bureaucracy.
The Deputy Premier also called for the approval of financing to be decentralised to encourage more Sarawakian Bumiputeras to be involved in entrepreneurship.
“In addition, we want the federal government to continue the incentives for easy loans, subsidies, loan guarantees and grants, especially for entrepreneurs who are new to business, to help in the provision of business premises, training and skills and marketing access,” he said, adding that providing such ecosystem would ensure the involvement of Sarawak bumiputeras in the field of entrepreneurship and economy.
Awang Tengah also hoped that the federal government would have the same determination and commitment as Sarawak by realising all proposals and resolutions with a concrete and comprehensive action plan.
“The Sarawak government wants to improve the socioeconomics of its community.
“We want to eliminate poverty among our society regardless of race, religion and background. We want to increase Sarawak’s income and economy.
“We want social inclusion, we want prosperity and wellbeing that can be enjoyed by all levels of society taking into account the sustainability of the environment.
“Prosperous Sarawak is our goal and this will also contribute to the progress and prosperity of Malaysia,” said Awang Tengah.