A LIGHT industrial park should be set up to house roadside stalls that are mushrooming in Sibu town, says Sarawak Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (pic).
He said the park should be established not far from town and could also house business premises currently operating in the town.
“Currently, every entrepreneur who runs a business must get approval for their premises from Sibu Municipal Council.
“Those running food businesses will also need to apply for halal certification.
“It is highly encouraged, as with this certification, your product can enter more markets,” he said after launching “Program Pemerkasaan Komuniti Berilmu Bersama ADUN Nangka”.
He has proposed to Sarawak Economic Development Corporation for the setting up of the light industrial park and hopes it will be given due consideration.
“It doesn’t have to be big. We can have a building that uses the back portion for production while the front can be utilised to sell products,” said Dr Annuar, who is Nangka assemblyman.
He noted that products such as noodles and kek lapis did not require a big space to produce and sell.
Ideally the park should be located not too far from the town centre so that it would be well-patronised by Sibu folk, who would be reluctant to travel far, he said.
He added that he had a site in mind but would not elaborate.
Dr Annuar also urged non-governmental organisations such as Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera and the petty traders association to gather data on the number of entrepreneurs.
“This is very important. For example, there is a project but it is on hold as we do not have definite figures on the number of hawkers who will rent the place,” he said.
