By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 14: Sibu’s manufacturing activities could be relocated outside its city centre under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision of transforming the town into a resort-like city.
He said the vision involved reorganising the city’s development, with manufacturing areas situated away from the centre to make way for a more organised urban environment.
“I hope Sibu will be like Amsterdam. That is my ambition. We should have no floods, we should have canals, and Sibu city should be similar to a resort city, with manufacturing areas outside the city centre,” he said at Agape Centre’s 20th anniversary celebration and the opening of its new building in Sibu today.
He said a comprehensive master plan would be needed to guide Sibu’s transformation, including efforts to address flooding and improve the city’s urban layout.
The proposed redevelopment builds on the broader vision for Sibu’s future, which includes flood mitigation measures and the development of canals and waterways.
Abang Johari also said the proposed Sibu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) would support the city’s economic development by attracting investment and establishing it as a strategic trading hub in central Sarawak.
The State government had submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Finance, the Economic Planning Unit and the Prime Minister, who announced the federal government’s agreement to it in the Madani Budget 2027.
A special authority would also be established to oversee the development of the economic zone. — DayakDaily
