Sibu community leader Temenggong Dato Sri Wan Hamid Edruce Tuanku Mohamad presents a memento Abang Johari while Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau (second left), Fadillah (fourth right), Dr Sim (second right), and Tiang (right) look on.

SIBU(July 10): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has outlined his vision to transform Sibu into a modern, low-carbon smart city, saying the town must be redeveloped with a new structure that reflects changing global economic and environmental realities.

Speaking at a dinner with community leaders at Kingwood Hotel here, Abang Johari said Sibu could no longer rely solely on its traditional timber-based economy and must embrace new industries, technology and sustainable development to remain competitive.

“We must redevelop Sibu in a new way. Sibu has to be restructured and developed into a low-carbon smart city in the heart of Sarawak,” he said.

He said the state’s redevelopment plans would include the restructuring of Sibu’s waterfront, a major undertaking that would require substantial government investment as Sarawak’s revenue continues to grow.

According to the Premier, Sibu’s future development will be guided by the Mid Rajang Development Agency (MiRRDA) and complemented by the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RDDA), with both agencies tasked with harnessing the region’s economic potential while preserving its natural environment.

He said Sarawak’s development approach now emphasises environmental sustainability, including forest conservation, reforestation and carbon trading opportunities, as the world transitions towards a low-carbon economy.

“The era has changed. Development today must suit the new global environment. Our forests are valuable carbon sinks, and this is an asset that can generate economic returns through carbon trading while preserving nature,” he said.

Abang Johari also stressed that Sibu’s future growth would be driven by digital technology, innovation and cashless transactions, citing the successful implementation of the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance Scheme (SKAS) through the S Pay Global digital payment platform.

He urged community leaders to understand government policies and explain them to the people so they could adapt to the changing economic landscape.

The Premier also highlighted Sarawak’s improving financial position, noting that the state’s annual revenue had more than doubled since he assumed office, enabling the government to finance major infrastructure and development projects.

He said Sarawak must continue strengthening its economic capabilities instead of relying on external assistance.

“If others help us, we are grateful. But if they don’t, we must still be able to survive on our own. Only Sarawakians can manage Sarawak for the benefit of Sarawak,” he said.

Abang Johari added that major road projects, including new routes connecting Kuching, Sri Aman, Betong and Sibu, would significantly reduce travel time and further integrate the state’s regions.

He said improved connectivity, coupled with access to the deep-sea port and international airport in Tanjung Embang, would strengthen Sibu’s role as a strategic economic hub in central Sarawak.

Calling on community leaders to prepare future generations for the new economy, Abang Johari emphasised the importance of education, technological knowledge and modern agricultural practices.

He said Sarawak’s long-term prosperity depended on equipping young people with the skills needed for emerging industries while maintaining political stability and good governance.

“We are working not just for today but for future generations. If Sarawak is strong, Malaysia will also be strong,” he said.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof; Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian; State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; and State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.

The post Abang Johari envisions Sibu as low-carbon smart city of central Sarawak appeared first on Borneo Post Online.

Abang Johari envisions Sibu as low-carbon smart city of central Sarawak

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