BEIJING: Chinese investors have expressed interest in making a substantial investment in aluminium manufacturing in Sarawak, with Samalaju Industrial Park in Bintulu among the locations being considered, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the proposed investment could open up new markets for Malaysian-made products, with the investors bringing their existing market networks while seeking to expand their global reach.
"God willing, I will inform the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry so that a one-stop centre (OSC) can be established to facilitate their investments in Malaysia," he told reporters here on Wednesday (Oct 14).
Ahmad Zahid is currently on a five-day working visit to Beijing and Tianjin, China, to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
However, the Deputy Prime Minister said the investment remained subject to approval by the Sarawak state government and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry.
"Several sectors have been identified, but I will assist the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and focus on high-technology manufacturing," he said.
Ahmad Zahid said the proposed aluminium production facilities could supply materials for the construction and automotive industries, as well as other sectors manufacturing aluminium-based products.
He said attracting investors to areas outside established industrial zones was also an important consideration, particularly in view of incentives outlined in the Prime Minister's Budget 2027 speech for investments beyond such areas.
Beyond attracting capital, he said the proposed investment could create employment opportunities for young Malaysians, particularly those pursuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
"At the same time, TVET institutions could provide training through a factory-teaching approach, allowing our students to learn and gain exposure to high-skilled technical fields when these investments materialise," he said.
