SCORE spurs Sarawak's economic growth, rural connectivity, says Premier
Julaihi (sixth right) presents a mock car key to Munirah Zaini who won a new Proton Saga as the lucky draw main prize winner at the Bakti Madani programme at the Miri Indoor Stadium today.
MIRI (May 10): The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) has emerged as a major driver of Sarawak's economic growth since its inception in 2008, attracting RM125 billion in investments and generating over 53,000 job opportunities for Sarawakians, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Abang Johari highlighted SCORE's success through the rapid development of the Samalaju Industrial Park.
He noted that the park has become a key industrial hub for high-tech heavy industries such as aluminium and ferro-alloys, drawing RM57.2 billion in investments and creating over 20,000 jobs.
'With the economic activity generated within the SCORE area, we are confident that our aspiration to transform the economy by emphasising high-value, industry-based diversification can be realised,' he said when officiating the Bakti Madani programme at the Miri Indoor Stadium today.
Abang Johari's text-of-speech speech was read by the State Utility and Telecommunications Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Abang Johari also said the development of major hydroelectric dams at Bakun, Murum, Baleh, and Batang Ai has laid the foundation for Sarawak's energy sector.
These dams not only supply electricity but also enable the state to pursue advancements in green hydrogen energy, he added.
'There are many challenges we face in developing Sarawak's vast territory, especially in the interior regions of SCORE.
'As such, we have adopted a new approach by establishing three Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) namely the Highland Development Agency (HDA), the Northern Regional Development Agency (NRDA), and the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA),' he said.
To support rural development, especially in the highland areas, the state has allocated RM4.5 billion to the RDAs for infrastructure projects.
So far, 247 projects including roads, bridges, and basic utilities are actively being implemented.
'Unlocking the hinterland is the key development goal in HDA areas, covering deep interior regions such as Marudi, Bario, Mulu, and Ba Kelalan. We have no choice but to connect these rural areas through a proper road network.
'This will allow us to unlock the economic potential of these areas and provide better mobility access for the people,' he said.
Among the region's highly anticipated infrastructure projects are three major roads – the Miri-Marudi, Marudi-Mulu, and Long Panai-Long Lama stretches – totalling 142km.
These roads are expected to enhance connectivity between Miri and Baram's interior and improve access to the Mulu National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
'At the same time, we are in the early planning stages of constructing a road from Long Banga to Bario and Ba Kelalan, spanning approximately 133km.
'Once completed, residents in these areas will benefit economically through sectors such as tourism, trade, and increased cross-border economic activities,' he said.
In the NRDA region, two transformative mega projects are in the pipeline – the 87.5km Northern Coastal Highway, expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, and the new Lawas Airport, scheduled to start construction in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, under URDA's jurisdiction, construction is underway on a 73km road to the Baleh Hydroelectric Dam – a project that will greatly benefit communities in Kapit Division, particularly those in Nanga Mujong, by linking them to the town of Kapit.
Abang Johari said that with strategic planning and effective implementation, SCORE will continue to be a catalyst for Sarawak's regional development, in line with the goals of the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to ensure balanced urban and rural growth.
With continued support from the federal government, he said he is confident that Sarawak's comprehensive development agenda can be accelerated, and ensured its benefits reach all Sarawakians.
Among those present at the event were Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Deputy Minister of Health Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, and Recoda CEO Datuk Ismawi Ismunie. abang johari development economy julaihi narawi rural SCORE
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