24 MARCH 2015

From a mere mangrove forest, STIDC had brought tremendous evolution into the township by providing necessary infrastructure to facilitate developments

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of STIDC’s direct involvement in the overall development of Tanjung Manis New Township. From a mere mangrove forest, STIDC had brought tremendous evolution into the township by providing necessary infrastructure to facilitate developments.

STIDC Deputy General Manager and Tanjung Manis Development Sendirin Berhad Executive Director, Haji Hashim Haji Bojet recalled the initial stage of development of the township saying that it started as a timber processing zone. It gradually grew into a new industrial hub for Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) projects which aims to make Sarawak a high-income economy by 2030.

Due to its strategic location and natural deep water harbour, he said the township was suitable for wood-based and other industries including shipbuilding. With land, water and air connectivity, the township is linked with other towns like Sibu, Sarikei and Mukah making it an ideal choice for investment.

Being one of the new growth nodes under SCORE, he said Tanjung Manis is poised to grow into a new economic hub of the central region of Sarawak and will continue to flourish with the development of other industries such as Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) comprising the Central Oil Distribution Terminal (CODT), Integrated Palm Oil Project (IPOP), Light Industrial Park for petrochemicals, Oleo-chemicals and related industries of oil, gas and chemicals.

According to him, another key component in the development of Tanjung Manis is the Halal Hub, slated as the world’s largest when fully developed with its 77,000 acres allocated area. Due to simultaneous development of aquaculture, agriculture and food processing industries in the surrounding area, the sign of success of the Halal Hub is for everyone to see, particularly investors who begin to realise the potential of the hub. With the rapid growth of the Middle Eastern markets the demand for halal products will surge and new investments will pour in.

Besides the industrial and commercial developments, he said there are also residential developments to cater for the growing population in the township. Incorporated into these developments are the public amenities like tar-sealed roads, telecommunications, water, electricity, schools, religious centre, recreational and sport facilities as well as public support services including police, immigration, customs, forest department, port authority and other government agencies.

“STIDC is not only the planner but also the builder, engineer and service provider in Tanjung Manis. We aim to be a one-stop centre for varied developments in the area to ensure smooth project implementation. After all, STIDC has been the main player in Tanjung Manis from the beginning. Based on our projection, most of the projects will be accomplished on schedule” Haji Hashim said.

Meanwhile, Penghulu Haji Dandan Bin Sidi who serves as a community leader in Tanjung Manis since 1986 said back then Tanjung Manis was nothing more than just a fishing village covered with forest.

“I am grateful that the government through STIDC had brought tremendous development to Tanjung Manis. With good infrastructure and many industries, there are immense employment opportunities for the locals. This helps to mitigate rural-urban migration. Hopefully, the new projects particularly the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub would materialise in order to raise the living standard of the people” he said.

Rumah Semalau Baru Village Head, Mr. Chihi Tawan concurred that three decades ago Tanjung Manis was a secluded area with boats as the only mode of transportation and paddy planting and fishing the main economic activities.

“I am delighted to see that Tanjung Manis is developing rapidly as it provides ample of jobs for the people. It is hoped that the Agriculture Department would train us on agriculture and aquaculture in order to create local entrepreneurs” Mr. Chihi said.

Tanjung Manis Resources Sendirian Berhad Manager and Belawai Sub-District Counselor, Mr. Ibnee Bin Ekni said, from a humble beginning, Tanjung Manis transforms steadily into what it is today.

“It is hoped that the authorities would put housing development as their top priority to cater for the growing population in Tanjung Manis including investors. Presently, people regard Tanjung Manis as temporary settlement because they do not have property there. I also hope that Tanjung Manis will be elevated to district status in order to facilitate businesses” he said.

With new developments in the pipeline, the future of Tanjung Manis is promising. Business opportunities are plentiful for investors to tap.

Tanjung Manis 25^th Anniversary celebration will be held on 27^th-28^th March 2015 at the township with various events in the pipeline including sports and games, exhibition, fishing and weaving competitions. Belawai Assemblyman and Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) and Assistant Minister of Environment, the Honourable Datu Haji Len Talif Salleh will grace the function.