SIBU: The Sarawak government has committed an initial allocation of RM1 billion with a bold vision to revitalise the dilapidated Bukit Assek area.
This substantial investment aims to transform the town from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, befitting Sibu’s symbol, and turn Bukit Assek into another “Amsterdam” as envisioned by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
However, this transformation is not without its challenges. The project involves hundreds of acres of land, necessitates significant resources and funding allocation, and requires careful consideration of the residents’ needs and concerns.
As a result, the masterplan for the project is still in progress as the government seeks to develop the area while also addressing long-standing issues comprehensively.
Bukit Assek, one of Sibu’s oldest housing developments, has been grappling with challenging soil conditions for many years, resulting in numerous houses sinking, collapsing, and tilting precariously.
In the early 1900s, the geographical landscape surrounding Bukit Assek consisted of swamplands and dense forests.
However, the determined people of the town worked tirelessly to clear the land for rubber plantation activities.
Despite the difficult environment, their perseverance paid off, and the rubber plantation not only transformed their lives but also shaped Sibu’s future.
To improve transportation in the area, a wooden plank bridge was constructed between Jalan Kampung Nyabor and Jalan Lanang. This bridge, built around 1941, was a significant achievement as it connected all the rubber plantations, making travel much easier in the region.
Over time, the wooden bridge was replaced with a dirt road around 1955, and eventually, it was upgraded to a tar road.
The once thick forest, converted into a rubber plantation, has transformed into a vibrant area with concrete buildings and residential spaces.
However, despite the area’s development, it cannot be ignored that its origins as a swampland pose ongoing challenges.
The area is susceptible to flash floods, which further deteriorate infrastructure, including drainage systems and roads.
Additionally, the poor soil condition continues to cause houses in the area to collapse and tilt, prompting many house owners to relocate and rent out to rural people migrating to the town to find work.
Recognising the urgent need for change, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek made the redevelopment of the area a crucial component of his manifesto in the last state election (2021).
To his delight, his cause aligned seamlessly with the Sarawak government’s objectives, prompting Abang Johari to grant an initial allocation of RM1 billion while engaging international consultants.
“The state government, under the leadership of our Premier, possesses a strong political will to embark on the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan and wholeheartedly supports it,” he said in an exclusive interview with the New Sarawak Tribune.
The plan encompasses 497 acres of land, making it at least three to four times the size of the current town area.
Dubbing the existing town the “old town,” Chieng emphasised that the Bukit Assek Redevelopment will serve as the new central business district (CBD) for the region.
“This project is not only significant in scale but also represents the first endeavour of its kind in Sarawak.”
Projected to span 15 to 20 years, the Bukit Assek Redevelopment holds the potential to catalyse development in towns across Sarawak.
“It will become a model for the development of other cities in Sarawak,” Chieng said, referencing Deputy State Secretary Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel’s endorsement of the project.
Adhering to Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, Abang Johari envisions the project as a private-sector-driven initiative, propelling Sarawak towards becoming a developed state.
Hence, there is a need to attract numerous investors aligned with the project’s masterplan.
“For instance, we aim to designate a healthcare facility area, and we will seek investors interested in that sector,” Chieng added.
Leading the drafting of the masterplan is Ramboll of Denmark, with Christian Nyerup Nielsen, director of Climate Adaptation & Landscape, spearheading the project.
The anticipated completion of the masterplan is scheduled for July next year.
The transformation of Bukit Assek promises to breathe new life into the area, elevating it from an eyesore burdened by sinking houses and deteriorating infrastructure into a bustling urban hub.
With a massive injection of funds and a steadfast commitment from the Sarawak government, the stage is set for Bukit Assek to emerge as a shining example of sustainable development and economic growth for the entire state.
