KUCHING: The Sarawak government is working on a formula to nurture and increase bumiputera participation in all industries in the state.
Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said he had informed the state financial secretary’s office to come up with a formula to ensure certain jobs or projects are given to bumiputera contractors.
“This is so that they can compete among themselves and keep up with the current challenges,” he said at the launch of Sarawak Energy Vendor Awards today.
“We have a lot of infrastructure projects (funded by the state), from roads to bridges. Hence, we need to give them the opportunity to be part of the state’s development progress,” he said.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has been focusing on rural development, including providing water and power supply as well as physical and digital infrastructures.
A total of RM2.37 billion had been allocated for rural electrification projects for 2019 and 2020, with a target to achieve full electrification in rural Sarawak between 2022 and 2023.
“Once our rural schools, longhouses and villages are connected with roads, water, electricity and digital infrastructure, it will open up opportunities and stimulate more economic activity,” he said.
Abang Johari also thanked Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) for its efforts to ensure fair involvement and participation of bumiputera contractors and vendors in local development projects.
In 2014, SEB established a division to oversee bumiputera participation and a special committee was set up in 2015.