By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, July 1: Sibu will be “like Amsterdam” once the Division in Sarawak has constructed its own picturesque canal system, says Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that certain areas of Sibu has longstanding issues of flooding including the low-lying areas in Bukit Assek.
“I had a meeting earlier and we want to have a new approach to overcome this flood. I am sure we can do it to develop Sibu.
“If this goes well, maybe-lah (sic) Sibu will be like Amsterdam with its canals and tourists will come,” he said when launching the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre and the 6th Special Olympics of Sarawak State Games at Sibu Jaya Township earlier tonight.
He further said the Sibu Jaya boulevard (road) will be developed with an extension of dual carriageway road and it will be connected to Khong Yit Khim road.
“This means people coming from Sibu Airport Road won’t have to circle a long route as they can use the Sibu Jaya road and go straight to Khong Yit Khim road.
“This (new) road will not be ‘kong bo-yong’ (vain talk). We will upgrade Khong Yit Khim road to become a dual carriageway road up to Sibu road,” he added.
On the new Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre, Abang Johari hoped the facility will become an avenue to produce many world-class athletes similar to the likes of Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg.
He also thanked Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah for her effort to develop the sports for para athletes and hoped that Sarawak will retain its 13-time champion streak at this year’s Para Sukma 2022.
Among those present were the Premier’s wife Datuk Amar Jumaani Tun Tuanku Bujang; Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian; Fatimah; Prime Minister’s Envoy to China Dato Sri Tiong King Sing; acting State Secretary Datuk Mohamad Abu Bakar Mardzuki; and AmCorp Group Bhd executive chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim. — DayakDaily
