Redeveloping Bukit Assek

CM says it will be done through urban renewal programme like in Singapore

SIBU: The state government is planning to implement an urban renewal programme modelled along a similar programme in Singapore to re- develop Bukit Assek area, according to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the area to be covered by the programme is about 300 acres.

He told reporters this when met at the earth- breaking for the construction of a new school block for SJK(C) Kiew Nang here yesterday.

The development will be modern; a modern city and it will cost a lot of money and we will find a way to do it. Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, Chief Minister

“I think the whole area has to be revamped. We will use the model in Singapore because Singapore has a low lying area and I think it is the way for us to re- develop the Bukit Assek area.

“The development wi l l be modern; a modern city and it will cost a lot of money and we will find a way to do it,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said that there must be consensus among the people in the area, adding the state government and the local leaders would come up with a master plan on how best to develop the area.

Earlier, when officiating at the earth-breaking ceremony, Abang Johari announced a fund of RM1 million for SJK(C) Kiew Nang for its new building project which would be done on a four-acre plot.

The project costing about RM10 million will be done in two phases.

SIBU: Passers- by and residents at Lane 4 of Merlin Road here were surprised by the presence of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg there late yesterday afternoon.

Abang Johari was accompanied by Minister of International Trade and E- Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, political secretary to chief minister Michael Tiang, Barisan Nasional ( BN)- Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) candidate for Lanang parliamentary constituency Kelvin Kong and SUPP Bukit Assek chairman Chieng Buong Toon, during the visit which was arranged by SUPP.

The chief minister inspected several drains and also the houses along the 150m stretch, which is known to be flood-prone.

Abang Johari (left) performing the earth-breaking for the construction of SJK(C) Kiew Nang new school building. Also seen are (from right) Thai King, Soon Koh and others.

(From left) Abang Johari and Wong listen to an explanation by Kong on the drains and houses at Lane 4 of Merlin Road, as Tiang and Tiong look on.