Bintulu into next stage of digital devt, says CM
BINTULU: This division is entering its second phase of growth on digital investment and infrastructure.
In stating this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg says the oil and gas industry has transformed Bintulu from a fishermen’s village into an industrial hub.
“It’s a dramatic transformation in 40 years – and it is a worldrecord achievement,” he spoke during the ‘Bintulu Townhall’ session at the civic centre here yesterday, which gathered more than 1,000 people.
Adding on, Abang Johari also said the new industries coming up in this technological era would be based on information technology (IT) and by 2050, many things would change.
“The world is changing; our way of life is also moving in line with the speed of the technology – in this new environment, we need to plan ahead,” he said.
The chief minister was asked by the session’s moderator, Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Rodziah Morshidi on his views regarding the economic development in Bintulu in connection with BDA’s 40th anniversary this year.
In one of his remarks, Abang Johari regarded energy, water supply and local participation, especially from skilled manpower, as the three vital areas in the economy.
“These are the prerequisites for Sarawak to move forward, and the Sarawak government is trying its best to provide and improve its services.”
Elaborating, Abang Johari believed that energy was not an issue for Sarawak, but regarded treated water supply as ‘a complicated issue’.
In this respect, he said RM2 billion had been set aside to rectify water supply problems in Sarawak, which is still in implementation stage and expected to be solved within the next two years.
“Now, we cannot depend too much on KKLW (federal Ministry of Rural and Regional Development) – we have to use our own money; this immediate allocation is meant to fund repair works on the ‘stress areas’.”
On Sarawak’s water grid project, Abang Johari said the long-term plan would incur around RM8 billion in costs and should reach completion in 12 years.
According to the chief minister, the water grid system would connect the southern region of Sarawak with the north – with the water sources from Bakun, Batang Ai, Murum and Baleh.
Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in Chief Minister’s Office (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Talib Zulpilip, Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, and Bintulu Resident Jack Aman Luat also attended the townhall session.