Implementation in sight as key components of Bukit Assek redevelopment get approval

SIBU (Feb 23): The key planning components of the Bukit Assek redevelopment have been approved, with the implementation now awaiting official announcement from the Premier of Sarawak.

According to Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, under the masterplan, which was endorsed by the State Planning Authority (SPA) last October last year, the three major components are a flood-risk assessment covering about 39,000 acres; a cloudburst-concept layout and design options for Sibu involving around 6,700 acres; and an integrated infrastructure and urban development concept layout covering some 815 acres across Bukit Assek.

“With this approval, we are moving forward in stages and with firm commitment towards ensuring that the Bukit Assek redevelopment can be implemented comprehensively,” he said when met during the Lunar New Year 2026 celebration at Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Bukit Assek service centre on Saturday.

Adding on, Chieng said: “Once the announcement (by the Premier) is made, a series of public engagement programmes will follow suit, including an exhibition detailing the masterplan and the development timelines for the next five, 10 and 15 years.”

Chieng said the redevelopment was part of a broader infrastructure and flood-mitigation strategy for Sibu, noting that the town’s Phase 4 flood mitigation project could be launched in the first half of this year.

“The redevelopment is crucial in view of Bukit Assek’s proximity to the town centre, and the aim of addressing long-standing infrastructure issues including poor drainage, damaged roads and narrow road networks.

“With a comprehensive redesign, we hope the entire area could be rebuilt to meet international standards,” he added.

Chieng, a first-term assemblyman, acknowledged that many of the issues being addressed derived from long-standing problems dating back for more than two decades.

“Projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) have enabled larger-scale planning and implementation in collaboration with the Sarawak government, under the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) administration.”

Also present were SUPP branch chairmen Datuk Chieng Buong Toon (Bukit Assek) and Wong Ching Yong (Dudong), and Sibu United Chinese Association (UCA) president Ngieng Hock Teck.