By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 9: Padungan holds significant historical and commercial value, but its development has stalled due to the need for extensive re-planning, said Sarawak’s Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He acknowledged that Padungan’s growth has been slow in recent years but pointed out that similar challenges were faced in Sibu before major redevelopment efforts began.
“In 2021, after our two elected representatives (Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee–Pelawan and Joseph Chieng Jin Ek–Pelawan) won in Sibu, large-scale development started.
“Many may not see it yet because re-planning old areas is a massive undertaking,” he said during a Chinese New Year gathering organised by Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Padungan/Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utara) held at Life Café, Padungan here today.
Dr Sim who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president and Batu Kawa assemblyman, further revealed that in Sibu’s Bukit Assek area, a consultant has already been hired, and RM30 million has been spent on planning alone.
Additionally, the Sarawak government has allocated RM500 million for Sibu’s flood mitigation project, which he compared to the cost of purchasing all the shop lots in Padungan.
Dr. Sim suggested that Padungan could undergo similar redevelopment, estimating that at least RM1 billion would be needed to develop Sibu under the 13th Malaysia Plan, set to begin after 2026.
“For Padungan, we need to sit down and re-plan professionally because drainage issues make redevelopment challenging,” he added, noting that flood management has been a key concern in his Batu Kawa constituency as well.
He stressed that while the process is complex, with proper planning and investment, revitalising Padungan is possible.
Earlier, JKKK chairman Kapitan Lucas Yong Kuet Chung highlighted that Padungan’s development has stagnated over the past 20 years and expressed hope that the area could experience growth similar to Batu Kawa’s rapid progress in recent years.
He also emphasised urgent issues in Padungan, particularly the outdated drainage system, which has led to frequent flooding and clogged drains, severely impacting businesses and residents.
Also present was the event’s organising chairman, Wong Duk Ying. – DayakDaily
