The Rejuvenation of Bukit Assek
In central downtown Sibu lies Bukit Assek, one of the town’s oldest housing areas. Until rubber plantation activities were introduced in the early 1900s – and in turn contributed to Sibu’s transformation – the area was geographically known for its swamplands and dense forests.
Throughout the decades, as Sibu Town underwent rapid development thanks to its expanding economy particularly in timber, agricultural and shipbuilding industries, Bukit Assek grew to become more vibrant as a central business district, with more local communities settling in its residential spaces.
Being low-lying, however, meant being susceptible to flash floods. Compounded with its poor soil condition, the area’s infrastructure progressively worsened, causing houses to tilt, sink and collapse, rendering them too dangerous to live in.
In spite of these challenges that continue to affect Bukit Assek to this day, the Sarawak Government is determined to revitalise the area and improve its liveability through a comprehensive master-plan.
The plan, which is part of the overall Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project, is scheduled to be completed by July 2024.
The long-term urban renewal project, which may take up to two decades to accomplish, is expected to involved the rebuilding of nearly 500 acres, taking account of the resources and funding required, and more importantly the needs and concerns of communities residing there.
“It is the wish of the Government to redevelop Bukit Assek to be a more modern and vibrant part of Sibu, and hopefully to be an example to other parts of Sarawak (for) redevelopment,” said Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) YBhg Datu Dr. Muhammad Abdullah bin Haji Zaidel during a working visit to the area in June 2023.
The project will be a collaboration between the State through Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) and Malaysian conglomerate company Sunway Group, modelling the re-establishment of Bukit Assek after Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.
LCDA has also appointed Denmark-based global consultancy company Ramboll to conduct flood risk assessments within the area specifically and Sibu Town as a whole.
The result of the study that will afterwards contribute to the overall master plan will not only offer extensive flood mitigation measures but also guarantee sustainability and socio-economic growth in the redevelopment of urban Sibu.
These public-private partnerships exemplify the private sector-driven economy that Sarawak is striving for as it aspires to become an advanced high-income state by 2030 under Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
“So, the role of the Government is to be the facilitator in assisting this development where we feel investment by the private sector is more sustainable. The Government will assist in providing basic amenities,” YBhg Datu Dr. Muhammad Abdullah elaborated.
Turning Sibu Town into a Tourist-Friendly City
The Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project marks the beginning of a broader programme to rejuvenate Sibu Town, with the goal of turning it into a tourist-friendly destination that is propelled by greater investments in economic sectors beyond forestry, such as services and construction.
Other major development projects are being undertaken to fulfil this aspiration, including the expansion of urban and commercial areas of Sibu, upgrading of the town’s digital infrastructure, and development of deep peat soil area of Bukit Lima as a nature reserve.
All of these will transform the physical and socio-economic landscape of Sibu Town once they are completed, aligning with Sibu Municipal Council’s vision “towards liveable and sustainable city by 2031”.
This promising shift is also expected to create a spillover effect within Sibu Division and other parts of central Sarawak, going as far as Sarikei and Kapit, opined the Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
“Sibu will become a different Sibu that will attract investments and services, particularly tourism and other services such as hospital, healthcare and so on,” he said at a press conference after visiting the Kampung Datu Baru redevelopment site in August 2023.
References:
Betrisianini, B. & Boon, P. (2023, January 28). Renewal programme for Sibu initiated, set to turn it into tourist-friendly destination. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/01/28/renewal-programme-for-sibu-initiated-set-to-turn-it-into-tourist-friendly-destination/
Chang, Y. (2018, October 21). The past, present and future. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2018/10/21/the-past-present-and-future/
Churchill, E. (2023, February 24). Sarawak hires Danish company for Sibu Cloudburst Masterplan study. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/02/24/sarawak-hires-danish-company-for-sibu-cloudburst-masterplan-study/
Conny, B. (2023, June 6). Full masterplan for Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project ready by July 2024, says Deputy SS. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/06/06/full-masterplan-for-bukit-assek-redevelopment-project-ready-by-july-2024-says-deputy-ss/
Moh, J. & Conny, B. (2023, August 7). Premier: Sibu’s landscape to undergo decade of change. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/08/07/premier-sibus-landscape-to-undergo-decade-of-change/
Nur, S.A. (2023, October 20). Sunway Group inks MoUs to transform prime land in Kuching, redevelop Bukit Assek. The Borneo Post. https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/10/20/sunway-group-inks-mous-to-transform-prime-land-in-kuching-redevelop-bukit-assek/
Varkisa, A. (2023, August 4). Revitalising and transforming Bukit Assek. New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/revitalising-and-transforming-bukit-assek/
Varkisa, A. (2023, August 13). Will Bukit Assek Redevelopment Plan end Sibu flooding? New Sarawak Tribune. https://www.newsarawaktribune.com.my/will-bukit-assek-redevelopment-plan-end-sibu-flooding/
Vision, Mission & SMC Pillars of Excellence. (n.d.). Sibu Municipal Council. https://smc.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/39
