As it enters the final phase of its
20-year development plan, Tanjung Manis sheds off its image as a wood
processing zone to emerge as a thriving economic center that can support
various industries.
In the
1990’s, Tanjung Manis was developed primarily as a wood-processing zone.
However, seeing the potentials of the area to become a major economic hub of
its own, the Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC) developed
a 20-year Development Masterplan for Tanjung Manis. It created a subsidiary company,
the Tanjung
Manis Development Sdn Bhd, to implement the Masterplan in four phases.
Upon
completion of its fourth phase of development, Tanjung Manis will emerge as a
strategic economic hub for Central Region by the end of 2010.
The zone had
thus far received about RM1.04 billion of investment from STIDC (RM370
million), the private sectors (RM290 million) and other government agencies
(RM380 million).
Several
infrastructure projects that are either underway or are to be implemented for
the Central Region of Sarawak under the 9th MP will bring in more
economic development to Tanjung Manis.
These
projects include the road project linking Sibu and Tanjung Manis) worth RM420
million. The road spans 43 kilometres, including five bridges, and is expected
to be completed within five years from 2006.
Another
project that will be completed by the year’s end is the RM400 million worth
deep sea port that will further boost the deep-sea fishing and wood processing
industries in Tanjung Manis. Upon completion of the deep sea port, the Rajang
Port Authority will move from Sibu to Tanjung Manis to fully utilise the deep
sea port’s capacity.
Other
projects in the pipeline under the 9th MP include a marina, golf
courses, resorts and a special zone for shipbuilding and ship maintenance.
While the
wood-based industries will remain as the core industry in Tanjung Manis, the
area is also earmarked for the development of other commercial activities such
as aquaculture, tourism and agriculture, especially oil palm as the town has
been identified as a raw palm oil accumulation centre for Sibu, Sarikei, Kapit
and Mukah.
