By William Isau
SIBU, April 14: The Bukit Assek redevelopment project will start in 2026, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to him, the government has now completed the planning of the master plan, explaining that the details will be finalised by the first quarter of 2025.
“This project is to be implemented in four phases for an estimated 15 years until 2040,” he said at the Sibu Division’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri dinner at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) last night (April 13).
“The second thing is the infrastructure development, and with this city renewal project, Sibu’s economy will be vibrant, especially the construction sector, which will be vibrant for the coming years,” he added.
Abang Johari said that with the development, Sibu will be connected to nearby towns, including Kapit.
Although Kapit often suffers from traffic congestion, he said the government also wants to develop road infrastructure to develop the area.
“This will make Sibu continue to be rapidly connected, apart from Sarikei, Belawai, and Kuala Rajang; if the coastal road is completed, it will bring mobility closer, including Daro, Serdeng, Batang Igan, all of which will be connected by bridges that will be completed in 2030,” he stressed.
He reiterated that the Sarawak government has borne all infrastructure expenses, which means Sarawak can develop its infrastructure.
With rapid access to the communication network in addition to the Bukit Assek redevelopment project, he said, Sibu’s economic activity will be brisk after 2040.
“Our success is due to political stability—leaders should not fight; leaders must be united regardless of our background. We must cooperate for the sake of the people of Sarawak,” he added.
The event, attended by about 2,000 people, was graced by the Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Also present were Abang Johari’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Minister of Public Works Malaysia Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi; Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee; Temenggong Datuk Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohamad, and other dignitaries. — DayakDaily
