No restrictions to Sarawak imports, Malaysia

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry has confirmed that there is no restriction on the import of cement into the Malaysian state of Sarawak, the Borneo Post writes.

The ministry stated that importers intending to bring volumes into the state only need to apply for a certificate of approval from the Construction Industry Development Board.

The ministry also said that there was no restriction on proposals for new investments in integrated cement projects in any part of the country or for the expansion and diversification of existing projects.

“Consideration for the issue of manufacturing licences is done on a case-by-case basis, taking into account prevailing supply and demand,” it said in a statement yesterday.

The statement was made in response to a call by Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen for the government to open up the market for cement supply in the state for the benefit of construction industry players.

Chong, who is also Kota Sentosa assemblyman, alleged that the recent “inconsistent supply of cement” had inconvenience the construction industry.

“For the last four months, the supply of cement has been inconsistent in Kuching as well as other places in Sarawak. This seriously affects the construction industry.

Sarawak Bhd continued to be the sole manufacturer of cement in the state through CMS Cement Sdn Bhd and CMS Clinker Sdn Bhd