SIBU: The importance of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as an initiative under the federal government to the town’s development cannot be denied when various large-scale projects are set to be implemented to address its ongoing infrastructure and flooding issues.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, said the 13MP, scheduled to begin in 2026, is not just an ordinary five-year development plan, but a great opportunity for Sibu to pursue more balanced and sustainable development, in line with the state government’s aspirations.
“Although it is a central plan, its impact is huge for the people of Sibu. This is not a matter of administrative differences, but a matter of the needs and priorities of the people. 13MP will be the main catalyst for change here,” he pointed out.
He said this when met by the media after the handover of Milo drink packs in conjunction with the Father’s Day celebration at the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek service centre, here on Saturday.
According to Chieng, among the major projects to be implemented are the construction of a new road from Hanns Residence roundabout, Jalan Wong King Huo to Jalan Lapangan Terbang, as well as upgrading works on Jalan Kong Yit Khim and Jalan Salim.
However, he stated the high cost of transferring utilities has led to an alternative route from Jalan Kong Yit Khim to Sibu Jaya via the Bukit Penyau area being proposed as a more effective option.
In addition, he said, the proposal to instal traffic lights at the Jalan Bukit Penyau intersection is also being considered for implementation in line with the start of the initial phase of the 13MP.
In the meantime, he explained that the issue of flooding that has long plagued residents is also being given attention through the Sentosa Flood Mitigation Project Phase 2 which will be implemented under the Sarawak Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MLGH), led by Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“This project has received positive feedback and will be initiated under Rolling Plan 1. We hope it will help reduce the impact of flooding, especially in low-lying areas,” said Chieng.
He also mentioned several other strategic projects awaiting implementation such as the new route from Teku to Ulu Sungai Merah and the connection to Sibu Airport, proposed by Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, as well as another connecting road from Hanns Residence which will cross the Bukit Lima Forest Reserve.
“All these projects have been included as priorities and have been approved in terms of allocation. All that is left now is the design phase before the tender is opened once the 13MP begins,” he added.
Under Rolling Plan 2, the Kampung Saujana, Jalan Jerrwit and Jalan Ek Dee flood mitigation projects have been listed for further implementation.
According to Chieng, the successful implementation of the 13MP will have a long-term impact on Sibu in terms of a more efficient road network, reduced flood risk and improved quality of life for residents.
“Although it comes from the federal government, we cannot deny how important the 13MP is to Sibu. This is an opportunity that should not be wasted for us to drive development and build a better future for the people,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, 2,500 packs of Milo drinks were provided to male voters in the Bukit Assek constituency in conjunction with Father’s Day.
The programme was organised by the SUPP Bukit Assek Service Centre, which was also attended by 15 Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) under the constituency.
The gifts can be collected at the SUPP Bukit Assek Service Centre, No. 3, 1st Floor, Lorong 1, Jalan Tong Sang, from Aug 2 to 17, from 9 am to 12 noon.
