Sibu: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed his vision for Sibu to evolve into a low-carbon smart city, driven by new technology and a green economy, based on a comprehensive master plan to ensure the city's future competitiveness.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abang Johari emphasized the need for Sibu to transition away from its traditional reliance on the timber industry towards a modern economy that supports low-carbon development and adapts to the global economic dynamics. "Sibu must be developed according to its master plan. The world has changed and we need to develop this city with a new approach that meets current demands," he stated at the Sibu Division Community Leaders dinner.
The Premier highlighted that the transformation of Sibu would be spearheaded by the Mid-Rajang Central Region Development Agency (MiRRDA) and supported by the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), each allocated RM1.5 billion for project implementation based on local needs through a bottom-up development strategy. The focus will be on forest conservation, the green economy, carbon trading, and leveraging new technologies to foster sustainable economic growth.
Abang Johari noted that the state government is contemplating a significant restructuring of Sibu city, which will necessitate considerable investment. This aligns with efforts to boost state revenue to finance development initiatives without solely depending on external assistance.
On infrastructure, he mentioned the anticipated benefits of the Second Trunk Road connecting Kuching, Sri Aman, and Sibu, which is expected to cut travel time and boost connectivity and economic development in Sarawak's central region.
He also called for the empowerment of community leaders to serve as a bridge between the government and the populace, facilitating understanding of the development policies and changes being introduced. Furthermore, he encouraged the youth to acquire new skills and technological knowledge, including digital platforms, S Pay Global, agricultural innovations, and the waste-to-wealth concept to increase productivity and income.
Abang Johari affirmed that rising state revenue would enable Sarawak to pursue various development projects based on its resources, bolstered by political stability, good governance, and investor confidence in the state's economic trajectory. "Sarawak must rely on its own strength. If Sarawak is strong, Malaysia will also be strong," he concluded.