By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 2: The Sarawak government has given approval for a new building for Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) at a cost of between RM70 to RM100 million to complement the latter’s objective to help Sibu achieve city status by 2031.
In announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the building would become a symbol of Sibu’s progress towards a modern era.
“I hope that with the injection of funds for your building, it will really become a symbol for you (SMC) to move forward towards the year 2030,” he said when officiating at SMC’s 40th anniversary celebration via Zoom today.
Abang Johari also declared his support for SMC’s idea of transforming Sibu into a smart city, adding that in order to do that, the authorities must first upgrade digital infrastructure in Sibu.
“Therefore, I have instructed Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to work with SMC to make sure that you (Sibu) have fast Internet connectivity.
“Infrastructure in Sibu has to be upgraded (first) and then you can become a smart city with all activities in Sibu will be connected with the main command centre in SMC,” he explained.
He also revealed that development projects planned for Sibu shall be implemented within the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) which runs up to 2030.
“You already have universities in Sibu and by 2031, you will have all the pre-requisites for Sibu to become a city.
“The Sarawak government will support SMC’s vision to transform Sibu into a city by 2031 by giving you whatever assistance that you need,” he emphasised.
Amongst those present were Local Government and Housing (MLGH) Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, MLGH assistant ministers Datu Dr Penguang Manggil and Dr Annuar Rapaee as well as SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horth. – DayakDaily
