SIBU: In the heart of Sarawak lies a town with a rich history and an even richer promise for the future.
Sibu has long been a hub of activity and culture.
As the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, remarked during his recent visit to the town, “Rome was not built in one day.”
The grand endeavour of the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, Sarawak’s most ambitious project, requires meticulous research, planning, and strategy to transform the landscape of Sibu into a modern marvel.
The Premier during his engagement with Sibu’s community leaders recently underscored the comprehensive nature of this plan.
Scheduled to begin by the end of 2024, the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan is more than just a project; it represents a promise to elevate the town’s aesthetic and functionality.
With a focus on water management, the Premier envisioned a town that embraces its watery resources.
“If there is a lot of water, we should use it. What’s wrong with creating a large lake and constructing a tunnel to manage water?” he pondered, exemplifying a visionary approach to urban planning.
Sibu’s transformation holds the potential to not only rejuvenate the town but also redefine its essence.
The Premier emphasised that this transformation is more than physical; it’s about identity.
“Sibu will have its character. The positive impacts will extend as far as Kapit and Sarikei. The towns will mutually support each other,” he said, underscoring the interconnectivity that this plan aims to foster.
The ripple effect of the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan goes far beyond infrastructure and aesthetics.
It’s about breathing life into the dreams of the town’s youth and kindling the yearning of its older generation.
For those who have ventured beyond Sibu’s serene landscapes in pursuit of education and careers, the promise of returning to roots beckons.
Caroline Oktavia Geruna, 27, who left Sibu in 2014 to pursue higher education, shared her journey.
“It has been nine years since I left home to shape my future. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in 2019.
“However, due to limited job prospects, I had to relocate to Kuching for more promising opportunities,” she said.
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan, she believes, could provide the favourable alternatives that she and many like her never had.
Vivian Hii, 27, an internal auditor, highlighted the challenges that young talents face in Sibu.
Limited job choices and reluctance from some companies to embrace innovation create a scenario where talents seek opportunities elsewhere.
“Some big companies stick to traditional mindsets, resisting giving young people opportunities to try new things. This means fewer chances for promotions or higher salaries for young people,” she pointed out.
The sentiment is clear: Sibu must offer competitive salaries and opportunities to attract its own talents back.
This sentiment resonates across the board. Ting, 27, stated that better career prospects outside Sibu would have been his preference if not for family ties.
“Without family in Sibu, I’d prefer working in West Malaysia for the higher salary offered there. With limited salaries in Sibu, affording a house is difficult,” he shared.
Aspiring to balance survival with enjoyment, young adults are driven by the dual pressures of personal growth and economic stability.
The lure of Sibu isn not limited to its own borders. Even neighbouring towns like Mukah, Daro, and Kanowit look to Sibu for career opportunities.
Mohammad Khairuddin Rushdi Ayuphan, who migrated to Sibu from Daro, articulated his experience.
“I was fortunate to find work here, but yes, finding a job was hard. I think the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan will greatly benefit Sibu residents and ex-pats like me. This project will transform Sibu into a more modern and advanced town,” he enthused.
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan isn’t just about the future; it’s a bridge connecting generations.
For those who have called Sibu home for decades, witnessing the town’s evolution has been a journey in itself.
This redevelopment plan, set to begin by the end of 2024, carries the hope of accommodating future generations while injecting modern technologies into the town’s fabric.
An entrepreneur in his 70s, Dr Gregory Hii Sui Cheng, who lauds the Sarawak government’s effort, reflects on his own memories of the Bukit Assek area. He recalls his school days at SMK Sacred Heart when the area appeared run-down.
“It’s good that there is a plan to redevelop it. I fully support it and hope that it will be implemented as soon as possible while addressing the legitimate interests of all stakeholders,” he stated.
Hii’s enthusiasm for the economic boost this project could bring to Sibu’s economy resonates with many.
Yet, challenges are inevitable. Peter Tang, a businessman in his 60s, raises pertinent questions about the practicalities of the plan.
“It’s a swampy area, and there are also several commercial buildings there. Are they going to purchase all of them and demolish them?” he enquired.
Tang’s concerns underline the complexities of executing a grand vision while preserving the fabric of the existing town.
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan encapsulates more than just physical transformation; it represents a convergence of aspirations and a leap toward communal progress.
As the youth yearn for a harmonious blend of ambition and roots, and the older generation hopes for a revitalised Sibu, the town stands poised to realisze a vision of renewed vitality and interconnected growth.
This endeavour is a testament to Sarawak’s commitment to long-term development.
The transformation of Sibu serves as a beacon of change, not only within the town but also echoing beyond its borders.
As the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan takes shape, it embodies the spirit of continuity that defines Sibu’s journey into the future.
With each passing day, the town edges closer to becoming a modern marvel that celebrates its heritage while embracing progress.
