SIBU: After years of yearning for city status, the town of Sibu may finally have found its path to achieving this long-overdue distinction.
The key lies in the ambitious Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, touted as the largest project in Sarawak.
With the potential to create numerous job opportunities, the plan aims to attract the town’s youth back home and significantly increase Sibu’s population, thereby meeting the minimum requirement of 500,000 residents necessary for city status.
Sibu, with its current population of 349,700, has long struggled to surpass the population threshold, mainly due to the exodus of its talented youngsters in search of greener pastures.
However, the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan aims to reverse this trend by offering a plethora of exciting career prospects, pulling back skilled individuals who yearn to make their mark in their hometown.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek assures that the project will benefit professionals from various fields, including engineers and architects.
However, the positive impact will extend beyond these occupations.
“The project will benefit our hawker such as hardware business (as we need construction materials) and more.
“It will also benefit our transportation and logistics services as some construction materials might need to be shipped from outside Sarawak (as we engage with international consultants).
“From the land acquisition for instance, we will compensate those residents whom their land inside the area we want to develop. They will surely invest the money they get to other businesses (in Sibu).
“This are the benefits, economy we are looking into when we start the project later,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Chieng assured not only the project can drive peoples to come back to the town during its implementation but will also bring in investors, developers and more.
The revitalisation brought about by the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan is anticipated to breathe new life into the town and entice a larger population to settle and thrive there.
To ensure public awareness and understanding of the plan’s potential, Chieng emphasised the importance of organising an exhibition once the masterplan is complete.
Transparency and professionalism, especially in land acquisition processes, will be paramount to garnering public trust and support.
Chieng believes that the completion of the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan could serve as a starting point for further development in neighbouring areas.
“It might be the starting point and later the government will develop other area nearby. We need to be transparent; it needs to be done in a very professional manner, especially in land acquisition.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Michael Tiang Ming Tee stressed that the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan won’t solely transform Sibu into a city but will encompass all aspects.
“All structures must meet green certification standards. It’s a modern, forward-looking urban planning endeavour.
“Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg envisions providing the best and latest plan for Sibu. This isn’t just about construction; it’s about a transformational phase that Sibu is undergoing via this extensive project.”
Tiang highlighted that clinging to negativity won’t instigate transformation.
He urged that Sibu must adapt to the swiftly changing world, where electric vehicles and 5G are swiftly becoming a norm.
“Is Sibu prepared? If we only act when the need arises, it might be too late,” he stressed.
Hence, Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, underscored the importance for substantial changes to secure Sibu’s city status.
“This project won’t only entice Sibu’s residents back but will also draw individuals from the Peninsular and around the globe to work here due to its massive scale.
“Transforming everything necessitates significant actions; piecemeal efforts won’t suffice. Is it a risky endeavour? Yes, undeniably, but the potential rewards far outweigh the risks.”
With the town’s long-cherished dream of city status finally within reach, Sibu’s future looks promising.
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, with its potential to create jobs, enhance tourism and attract more people to come here, could be the catalyst that propels Sibu towards becoming a thriving city in Sarawak.
