The State Government of Sarawak has announced plans to transition Sibu into the third town in the Malaysian state to achieve city status by 2031. Under the plans, several key infrastructure projects have been announced including the redevelopment plan of Bukit Assek, expansion of Sibu urban and commercial areas and upgradation of digital infrastructure.
A committee has been formed that will oversee works for the redevelopment of Bukit Assek and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) will also partner with the committee on the project. Additionally, Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) will partner with Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to improve and upgrade digital infrastructure and internet connectivity.
The government will also connect Bukit Kemuyang to Bukit Lima and Kampung Nangka which will eventually become an urban and commercial district. This expansion plan is expected to increase SMC’s annual revenue from RM80 million to RM100 million, as well as its reserve from RM25 million to RM50 million, which is one of the prerequisites to attain city status.