SIBU: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has given his approval to organise an exhibition on the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project once the masterplan is finalised.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, who announced this, stressed the importance of informing and involving the public in this extensive project, which impacts numerous properties and residents.
“I proposed the necessity of public awareness to the Premier, and he agreed, suggesting we wait until the master plan is fully developed by the end of this year before unveiling it.
“I recommend that the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) organise an open exhibition, perhaps at shopping centres, to explain the project and gather public feedback,” he said in his speech at the Sibu media night, attended by 48 media practitioners from various companies last night (Jan 29).
On the project’s progress, he said the Cloudburst Masterplan Study, aimed at addressing the town’s flooding issue, will be available by May.
“After undergoing approval, amendments, and refinement, the master plan is expected to be complete by year-end,” he added.
Chieng assured that the government is steadfast in its commitment to the project, consistent with the GPS electoral manifesto.
He also highlighted plans for affordable housing within the Bukit Assek area, recognising that many property owners there are elderly.
“With the land acquisition, given the high price of housing nowadays, we need to have affordable houses, especially for senior citizens, so that they can exchange their old house with a new one within the redevelopment area.
“This will be my focus apart from the project masterplan itself. I will engage with LCDA more frequently on this issue to keep the public updated,” he said.
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment project has been granted RM1 billion allocation by the Sarawak government, and the project involves 497 acres of land with around 2,000 households affected within the constituency.
