SIBU, Feb 13: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that a substantial allocation has been set aside to develop Sibu.
He was referring to the Sarawak government’s plan to restructure Sibu’s development, turning it into a smart city, which will take up at least 10 years.
“I cannot reveal the amount (yet) because the main core is not finalised, but I can assure you that there is a lot of money coming to Sibu.
“Therefore, we in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) have to work very hard to increase our revenue and give it to Sibu in order to rejuvenate it,” he said during the United Chinese Association Sibu Division’s 2024 Chinese New Year (CNY) Gathering held at a local hotel here earlier tonight.
Abang Johari also explained that Sibu is in need of urban renewal, describing the city as stagnant and facing flood woes and dengue problems due to having a lot of low-lying areas.
“On our part, we want to restructure Sibu. I promise you, I am committed to (making) Sibu like Amsterdam in Netherlands.
“If Amsterdam lies below sea level, Sibu is below the river level. Therefore, we have to manage this geological structure of Sibu. We have to get experts and that is why I said it would take about at least 10 years to do this,” he added.
The event was also graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.
Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian; Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing and Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. — DayakDaily
