KUCHING: The core elements of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) are aligned with Sarawak's goals of accelerating growth under its post-Covid development strategy, says the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Its secretary general Libat Langub (pic) welcomed the special emphasis on elevating Sabah and Sarawak as Malaysia's competitive regional hubs for sustainable energy.
"The initiative includes the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub, aimed at strengthening the energy infrastructure in Sarawak.
"This demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment and recognition of Sarawak's significant role in national investments and that Sarawak is poised to realise the country's vision of becoming a high-value regional clean energy leader," he said on Friday (Aug 1).
Libat said the energy hubs were expected to create new high-value jobs for Sarawakians.
"We hope the Dayak business community will actively look for and participate in business opportunities generated by new industries from these energy hubs," he said.
As an indigenous business chamber, DCCI also supported the strengthening of socioeconomic development for Sarawak's bumiputra community under the 13MP.
This includes expanding business opportunities through the provision of commercial premises, access to financing, entrepreneurship training and mentoring programmes to Sarawak bumiputra entrepreneurs.
"In this connection, we urge the government to ensure that access to these business opportunities reaches the targeted group and benefits them.
'A multi-faceted approach involving government initiatives, dedicated programmes and structural support is crucial," Libat said.
He proposed the implementation of outreach strategies to identify and engage potential bumiputra entrepreneurs, particularly in Sarawak's rural areas, as well as monitoring and evaluation of programmes to benefit them.
"Skills training programmes for rural communities must be intensified so that economic growth can be shared inclusively," he added.
Libat also said the 13MP's focus on basic infrastructure such as roads, water supply, electricity and digitalisation initiatives was timely and much needed to balance development between urban and rural areas.
"Improved road connectivity is a game-changer for rural development in Sarawak, promising substantial economic and social benefits," he said.
