LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTMENTS (Jobs created)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Trade and Industry what types and value of local and foreign investments have been secured or committed; and what is the estimated number of jobs which will be created by these investments, indicating the job-types, salary range and when these jobs will be available.

Mr Hon Sui Sen (Acting Minister for Trade and Industry): In 1981, the value of manufacturing investments committed was $1,929 million, made up of $1,330 million foreign and $599 million local investments. In the first 10 months of 1982, the value of manufacturing investments committed was $1,515 million made up of $1,035 million foreign and $480 million local investments.

The bulk of foreign investment commitments in 1981 were for projects in the petroleum sector, oilfield equipment, electronics and machinery/machine components industries. Commitments by local companies in the same year were largely for upgrading and expansion projects in the shipbuilding and printing/publishing industries.

The investment climate in 1982 has become more difficult because of the continuing world economic recession. Apart from petroleum projects, the investments committed in the first 10 months of the year were mainly for sectors which are still facing booming market conditions despite the recession. Examples are computers and computer peripherals, and fabricated metal projects (for the local construction industry).

The commitments in 1981 and 1982 are expected to create a total of 28,400 jobs over a period of seven years. Nearly 80% of the jobs will be generated between 1981 and 1984 as follows: 4,000 in 1981, 6,400 in 1982, 7,800 in 1983 and 4,100 in 1984. The figures will increase if the Economic Development Board succeeds in securing additional investments in the next few years.

It is not possible to specify in detail the job types and their salary. However, the range of jobs created can be expected to be broadly typical of an average manufacturing establishment. In view of the higher technological content and capital-intensive nature of the new projects, a large proportion of the jobs will require technicians, skilled and trained workers. The current average basic monthly salary of skilled workers ranges from $500 to $600. Those in supervisory grades can earn a higher salary of about $900.