SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will continue to strengthen municipal services in line with its vision to build a Livable and Sustainable City by 2031.
In expressing his confidence, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said these services include public health and environmental sustainability, people-centred community development, municipal service delivery as well as digital transformation and smart city initiatives.
“With the commitment shown by the council and its strategic partners, Sibu is on the right track to becoming a modern, sustainable and forward-looking city,” he said at the SMC Appreciation Night 2025 held at a prominent hotel here on Friday (Dec 19).
His speech was delivered by Bukit Assek State Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek who represented him at the event.
Dr Sim who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said that local government tasks were challenging, complex and require high commitment.
He said SMC played a vital role in ensuring the city function smoothly, covering aspects of public health and hygiene, community programmes, infrastructure services, smart city initiatives and enforcement, among others.
“Most of this work is done quietly without expecting recognition. But tonight, we pause to appreciate your contributions, dedication, professionalism and service to the people of Sibu,” he relayed.
He also praised the various agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders, corporate partners and all parties who have worked closely with SMC throughout the year.
“Your collective efforts have strengthened the development of Sibu and improved the well-being of its residents,” he pointed out.
Dr Sim also touched on the various achievements bestowed to SMC throughout the year.
Among them are the ASEAN Clean Tourism City Award (2024–2026), third place in the 2024 School Recycling Competition (Local Authority Category, Southern Zone), champion of the Sarawak Premier Environment Award (PSEA) 2023/2024, a score of 99 per cent (Excellent) for the 2025 SCS Audit Card Score and overall champion in the Inter-Council Sports Championship (Central Zone) for two consecutive years (2024 & 2025).
Other achievements he announced encompassed achieving Sustainable City Status through the Malaysian Urban-Rural National Indicator Network for Sustainable Development (MURNInets) for two consecutive years (2024 & 2025), Malaysia Book of Records for “Most Visitors Playing ITUT (Melanau Cradle)”, Sarawak Young Leader Award 2025 to Sibu Children’s Council Member, Nur Aleesya Dayana, as well as the Clean Audit Certificate 2024.
Regarding the accolades received, Dr Sim said it was also a reminder that progress is never achieved alone, but rather as a result of teamwork between councils, government agencies, community groups and the people of Sibu.
“Sibu is a diverse and harmonious place. Its strength lies in its unity, culture and people. When we work together at all levels, we build a cleaner, safer, greener and more vibrant Sibu,” Dr Sim added.
Also present were Sibu MP Oscar Ling, SMC Chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horth, Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Deputy Chairman Wong Ching Yong, SMC Acting Secretary Sait Enggang and organising chairperson Amelia Tiu Siew Yian.
