By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, Feb 27: The 815-acre Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project, backed by RM30 million in international consultancy, aims to tackle ageing housing, flood mitigation, and sustainable development in Sibu’s largest peatland area.
The master-planned project has been identified by the Sarawak government as a critical long-term solution to address land and water challenges in Sibu.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian highlighted that the State Planning Authority (SPA) has approved the master plan which is now under the management of the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA).
“The Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) is fully committed, having allocated RM30 million in consultancy fees to international firm Ramboll from Denmark.
“If we were not serious, why would such a significant investment be made?,” he told reporters during a visit to the collapse building site at Jalan Pahlawan today.
Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, disclosed that the project also includes a RM500 million ceiling allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for land acquisition, aimed at buying back ageing houses in the area.
“After the acquisition, authorities will reclassify land suitable for development, particularly given that Bukit Assek is Sibu’s largest peat soil area,” he explained.
He emphasised that flood mitigation in Sibu requires strong collaboration between State and federal governments.
He urged local MPs to actively secure federal funding, citing the RM2.4 billion obtained by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof for flood mitigation projects in Kuching.
“The MPs’ involvement is crucial, as flood mitigation is complex and requires expert handling,” he said, adding that the State government is awaiting the official launch of the Sibu master plan by the Sarawak Premier. — DayakDaily
