SMC stands proud, 30 years on

by Philip Wong.

SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will continue to ensure that Sibu remains vibrant as it takes the next phase of development into uncharted territories.

Its chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said there were many dreams and proposals to develop the town from interesting and brilliant ideas of consultants, professionals and people on the streets.

He said they included proposals like Sibu waterfront, redevelopment of Sungei Merah Market, urban renewal of the old residential areas, Sibu Pedestrian Mall, Swan Park, Lifestyle Island, Kampong Dato redevelopment and many other interesting commercial developments.

“As such, I would like to encourage corporate leaders in Sibu to take a look at some of these development proposals and we welcome privatisation initiatives as the role played by the private sectors is an important driving force in Sibu’s future development,” he said at the SMC 30th anniversary celebration held at Kingwood Hotel on Tuesday night.

Among those present were Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, his wife Datin Sri Leong Poh Lin, Assistant Minister of Local Government Datuk John Sikie, Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming, Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Hiew King, SMC deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng and secretary Hii Chang Kee.

Tiong said the government had limited resources and that was why it required corporate leaders to take up the challenge to invest in hotel and commercial development in Sibu.

He noted the recent ones as the establishment of the RH Hotel, Kingwood Hotel extension, Giant Hypermarket and Daesim MegaMall.

From a humble beginning, Tiong said Sibu had grown by leaps and bounds to a big ‘settlement’ today.

“Under the BN government and in particular, the Sibu BN Team, we have witnessed many phases of development of Sibu town,” he said.

Tiong cited the well connected protocol and ring roads in town and also trunk roads connecting Sibu with other major towns like Kuching, Bintulu, Miri and especially the completion of the three major bridges, Igan bridge, Durin Bridge and Lanang Bridge.

“The completion of more bridges such as the Lebaan Bridge has also linked Sibu to the deep sea port of Tanjong Manis. The riverine express terminal, express bus terminal further enhances efficiency of transportation. The extension and renovation of Sibu Airport is also well underway,” he added.

Tiong said the SMC had grown to become one of the largest local authorities in Sarawak.

“Today, it has a total revenue of about RM55 million with a staff of 523.

“Thirty years ago in 1981, the total revenue was only about R8 million with a staff of about 150. Assessment rates collected were only about RM4 million. Today, we are expecting about RM29 million,” he added.

Over the years, he said, SMC had also provided infrastructure and facilities that included Sibu Public Library, Wong Nai Siong multi-storey car park, Taman Jubli Bukit Aup, Sibu Central Market and Lembangan multi-storey car park.

He said the council was also encouraged and proud to work with NGOs and individuals who were willing to work in smart partnership in adopting parks and facilities.

“Today, we have a total of 17 gardens and sport facilities developed through such smart partnership, which even other town folk talk about,” he said.

Tiong said SMC was also at the forefront in ensuring a sustainable urban development.

“We have made it a point to host Earth Day and Earth Hour annually to show our commitment to save our mother earth. Initiatives like 3R, composting, garbage enzymes, tree planting, reduction of plastic bags and segregation of waste at source have become one of our priorities for many years,” he added.

Tiong said SMC had just launched the Sibu Urban Surveillance, adding 42 units of CCTV to the existing 12 units in the town centre.

He said such initiative and coverage is the widest in Sarawak and it would help the council’s efforts in ensuring Sibu becomes a safe city.

Other safe city initiatives include putting up more street lighting, safety mirrors and bollards to segregate pedestrians from moving vehicles.

[Source : Borneo Post Online posted on November 3, 2011, Thursday]