‘A historic opportunity to revitalise Sibu’: Bawang Assan rep says Sibu Development Zone must deliver jobs, investment

Wong speaking during the debate on the Sarawak Supply (2027) Bill at DUS sitting on Oct 15, 2026. Photo: Sarawak Info Dept (Japen)

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 15: The proposed RM1.5 billion Sibu Development Zone (SDZ) must deliver productive investment, sustainable businesses, better-paying jobs and higher incomes, rather than remain an allocation on paper, says Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

Speaking during the debate on the Sarawak Supply (2027) Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, he said the SDZ’s success should be measured by the investments it attracts, businesses it sustains, jobs it creates and incomes it generates.

“The success of the SDZ will not be determined by the size of its allocation alone. It will be determined by our ability to turn that allocation into productive investment, sustainable businesses, better-paying jobs and higher incomes for our people,” he said.

Wong acknowledged that Sibu had not progressed as much as he had hoped, citing the decline of traditional timber-related activities, limited economic diversification and a lack of high-value employment opportunities.

He said the SDZ can attract investment and create opportunities for younger generations, while extending its benefits to surrounding villages, longhouses and rural communities.

Wong also proposed establishing a Sibu SDZ Development Consultative Council involving government representatives, private sector players, business chambers, educational institutions and community stakeholders to coordinate priorities and ensure development meets the people’s needs.

He urged local leaders and stakeholders to work together through the proposed council to ensure the SDZ serves the interests of Sibu as a whole.

Wong said he had given considerable thought to the SDZ’s development and would present his own detailed proposal when the time was ripe.

By 2031, he said the SDZ should undergo an impact assessment to measure its economic benefits and identify areas for improvement.

Wong said the SDZ should support Sibu’s development across key sectors, including education, agriculture, tourism, housing and infrastructure, while boosting shipbuilding, manufacturing and small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). — DayakDaily