SIBU: Sibu will be developed into a low-carbon smart city to remain competitive and meet the demands of a new era centred on environmental sustainability, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at a dinner with Sibu Division community leaders tonight, he said the town’s future development would be guided by a comprehensive master plan that reflects Sarawak’s broader development agenda while capitalising on Sibu’s unique strengths.
“If in the past Sibu was developed because of the timber industry, today the timber industry is declining because we want to develop according to low-carbon principles. The era has changed, where environmental sustainability is our focus, and we have to create new industries for Sibu,” he said.
Abang Johari stressed that Sibu’s development must be aligned with its master plan, adding that it was important for community leaders to understand the government’s direction for the division.
He said the establishment of the Mid Rajang Development Agency (MiRRDA) and the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RDDA) would drive development in line with the needs of the new era.
“MiRRDA is being developed near Kanowit, while Sibu is also closely linked to RDDA. These two development agencies will become the driving force to showcase our strengths,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak’s forests must be protected and replanted to function as carbon sinks capable of storing carbon, creating opportunities for carbon trading with countries that produce high levels of carbon emissions.
“This is the new era that the community and community leaders must recognise so that they can explain it to the people.
“Otherwise, there will be misunderstandings between the people and government policies, which are formulated to meet the demands of the new era,” he said.
Abang Johari said the state government had allocated RM1.5 billion to each regional development agency to implement development programmes in their respective areas.
“This is what we call development from the bottom up, not from the top down. This has been the policy of our government under my leadership from the beginning until today,” he said.
The Premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to restructuring Sibu City, describing it as a major undertaking that would require substantial financial resources.
“We must rebuild Sibu in a new way. That is why we want to restructure Sibu City. This will cost a lot of money, and God-willing, as our funds continue to grow, my colleagues and I will continue working hard to increase Sarawak’s state revenue,” he said.
Among those attending the dinner were Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Members of Parliament and state assemblymen.
