SIBU: The existing Sibu Prison, which has been in service for more than a century, will be replaced with a new facility under a RM275.33 million redevelopment project aimed at improving prison capacity, safety and rehabilitation outcomes in Sarawak.
Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ageing facility, built more than 100 years ago, was no longer able to meet current operational and rehabilitation needs, making renewal an urgent necessity rather than an option.
“On this basis, I officiated the handover of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) today for the Sibu Prison Construction Project.
“With a contract value of RM275.33 million, the project will be implemented under a design-and-build model, with a construction period of 36 months and targeted for full completion by February 2029.
“This project is not merely the construction of a new building, but the development of a more humane, secure and effective rehabilitation ecosystem,” he said in a Facebook statement on Tuesday (Feb 3).
The Kapit MP said the new prison is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 inmates.
He added the project was expected to reduce the prison recidivism rate by 2.38 per cent and ease prison congestion in Sarawak by up to 19 per cent.
In addition, he said staff preparedness was projected to improve by 29 per cent through the provision of adequate residential quarters within the prison complex.
As such, he reminded the contractor that accountability began upon receipt of the acceptance letter, stressing that delays would prolong public inconvenience and mismanagement would amount to a failure in safeguarding public funds.
“We want this project completed on time or ahead of schedule, without any extension of time, without a sick project, and without compromising site safety.”
He added that the Public Works Department (JKR) team overseeing the project had been instructed to remain proactive, maintain a strong sense of urgency and facilitate project delivery to ensure smooth implementation.
