Ting (centre) during the full council meeting, flanked by his deputy Mohammad Abdullah Izkandar Roseley (left) and secretary Yong Ing Chu.
SIBU (Feb 27): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting has called upon residents here to be prepared to face the possibility of floods during this upcoming Hari Raya celebration.
This is following the predicted tide level which could reach 6.5 metres on March 31 and April 1, and 6.4 metres on April 2, said Ting when met at SMC’s full council meeting here yesterday.
“The potential for flooding during Hari Raya is very likely. For those celebrating, preparations should be made, including putting up flood markers along the roads,” he said.
Apart from the flood risk, Ting also addressed recent infrastructure setbacks, including the collapse of a section at Jalan Rantau Panjang and the damage to a gazebo at Chiang Chuan Garden caused by a tug boat recently.
According to him, meetings have been scheduled to discuss the next course of actions for these issues.
On a positive note, Ting said a new bridge would be constructed to connect Sibu’s west bank, as announced by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the Sarawak United People’s Party’s annual Chinese New Year luncheon here recently.
“The first meeting on the bridge project proposals with the Public Works Department (JKR) took place yesterday (Feb 25). This expansion will be beneficial for Sibu, and I hope it materialises soon.”
He also noted that discussions were underway regarding the development of Pulau Kerto, a long-standing request by SMC, which could be incorporated into the bridge project.
Additionally, he said the Bukit Assek development project is progressing well with consultants from Denmark-based company Ramboll and various government agencies involved.
“The project, covering approximately 800 acres, will be developed in three precincts over a period of 10 to 15 years. Approval is expected in 2025, with land acquisition to follow in 2026.
“The exact road alignments are still being finalised but this is a significant development that all council members should be aware of,” he said, while calling for a close collaboration between all council members and stakeholders.
