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Abang Johari (third from left) cuts the ribbon to release the gigantic balloon to mark the 2020 Bau bicentennial celebration .– Photo by Roystein Emmor
BAU (Dec 31): The Sarawak government will explore new ‘gold and minerals’ in Bau to take the district’s development to a new height, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said today.
The Chief Minister referred the ‘gold and minerals’ to new approaches and infrastructure development projects rather than natural resources such as antimony and gold mining, which were the economic activities in which Bau used to participate.
He said he had received comments from the Geological Department that they had confirmed that the district no longer had an economic gold deposit worth pursuing.
“If this is the case, what sense does it make for us to go after an industry (gold mining) that is not profitable? Scientists have said that big data is the way to go now.
“At Bau, we have to see a change. We collect data, including culture and development in Bau and with this, we can have sustainable economic activities for Bau, ”he said while launching the 2020 Bau Bicentennial Celebration at Tasik Biru Square here.
To further develop Bau, Abang Johari said that the state government had set aside RM40 million to provide water supply to the various communities from Bau to Lundu to Sematan.
He added that said project was underway and was expected to be completed next year (2021).
In terms of road connectivity, he said that in addition to the Pan Borneo highway, the state government had also allocated funds for the construction of a two-way road to connect Bau through Batu Kitang and Siniawan.
Abang Johari revealed that the state government had injected a total of RM129 million into Bau development in the past two years.
“(Tasik Biru Assemblyman) Dato Henry Jinep has presented some new projects and these will bring the total development funds for Bau to RM223 million,” he said.
Abang Johari signing the plaque to commemorate the 2020 Bau Bicentennial Celebration. Henry is on the left. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
He added that the private sector would work closely with the public sector to generate more development in the district.
He assured that Bau and Sarawak in general would have a bright future as the state had regained its oil and gas rights by imposing the state sales tax of 5 percent on petroleum products.
With this state revenue, he said more funds could be channeled to develop not just Bau but Sarawak as a whole.
According to Abang Johari, many talents from Sarawak, particularly professionals, had returned to the state for professional development in recent years.
He said this was because the level of the state’s economy had improved and these talents were able to apply their experience in Sarawak.
“With our level of economy taken to the next level, more opportunities and jobs will be provided. This will further develop our economy.
“As we celebrate 200 years of success at Bau, let’s explore for new gold to ensure continued success,” he enthused.
The president of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) also called on the community to position the unit primarily in line with the advance of Sarawak.
“I wish Bau and our people all the best. Let’s work together in a new era and explore new gold and minerals at Bau, ”he added.
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