KUCHING: The Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) expressed strong support for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), describing it as a strategic move towards improving the country’s economic resilience and social equity while aligning with Sarawak’s long-term development goals.
DCCI said the five-year plan, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat, reflects a firm commitment to enhancing living standards, restructuring the economy and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a competitive Southeast Asian economy.
“In the Sarawak context, the core elements of the 13MP, we believe, are aligned with some of the goals of accelerating the achievement of Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” DCCI secretary general Libat Langub said in a statement today,
DCCI welcomed the plan’s special emphasis on elevating Sabah and Sarawak as competitive regional hubs for sustainable energy, including the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub.
“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration. It 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,” said Libat.
He said the creation of these energy hubs is expected to generate high-value employment for Sarawakians, and urged the Dayak business community to seize opportunities arising from the emerging industries tied to the energy sector.
DCCI, as a chamber representing indigenous businesses, supported the plan’s provisions to strengthen socio-economic development for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sarawak, including the Dayak community, through improved access to commercial premises, financing, and entrepreneurship development programmes.
However, Libat stressed the need for inclusive and targeted implementation.
“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,” he said.
Among the recommendations put forth by DCCI were proactive outreach to rural entrepreneurs, stronger monitoring and evaluation of support schemes, and intensified skills training for rural communities to ensure inclusive economic growth.
The chamber also welcomed the planned upgrades to rural infrastructure, especially roads in Kapit, saying that improved connectivity would be a game-changer for development in rural Sarawak.
“This will connect remote communities, improve access to markets, healthcare, and education, and unlock and boost economic opportunities such as trade and tourism,” said Libat.
DCCI called for the 13MP’s announcements to be backed by clear directions, effective implementation and accountability.
“The relevant ministries must ensure that the commitments announced in the 13MP are realised and implemented properly with efficient execution and strong accountability in accordance with the people’s mandate in the country,” he added.
DCCI said the five-year plan, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat, reflects a firm commitment to enhancing living standards, restructuring the economy and strengthening Malaysia’s position as a competitive Southeast Asian economy.
“In the Sarawak context, the core elements of the 13MP, we believe, are aligned with some of the goals of accelerating the achievement of Sarawak’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” DCCI secretary general Libat Langub said in a statement today,
DCCI welcomed the plan’s special emphasis on elevating Sabah and Sarawak as competitive regional hubs for sustainable energy, including the development of the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub.
“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration. It 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,” said Libat.
He said the creation of these energy hubs is expected to generate high-value employment for Sarawakians, and urged the Dayak business community to seize opportunities arising from the emerging industries tied to the energy sector.
DCCI, as a chamber representing indigenous businesses, supported the plan’s provisions to strengthen socio-economic development for Bumiputera entrepreneurs in Sarawak, including the Dayak community, through improved access to commercial premises, financing, and entrepreneurship development programmes.
However, Libat stressed the need for inclusive and targeted implementation.
“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,” he said.
Among the recommendations put forth by DCCI were proactive outreach to rural entrepreneurs, stronger monitoring and evaluation of support schemes, and intensified skills training for rural communities to ensure inclusive economic growth.
The chamber also welcomed the planned upgrades to rural infrastructure, especially roads in Kapit, saying that improved connectivity would be a game-changer for development in rural Sarawak.
“This will connect remote communities, improve access to markets, healthcare, and education, and unlock and boost economic opportunities such as trade and tourism,” said Libat.
DCCI called for the 13MP’s announcements to be backed by clear directions, effective implementation and accountability.
“The relevant ministries must ensure that the commitments announced in the 13MP are realised and implemented properly with efficient execution and strong accountability in accordance with the people’s mandate in the country,” he added.