15/12/2025
Source: 08 November 2025 (Borneo Post)
𝗦𝗶𝗯𝘂 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗮’𝘀 𝟯𝟬-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗸’𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿
SIBU (Nov 8): Over the past three decades, Sibu Jaya has transformed from a modest settlement of low-cost housing into a thriving modern township with more than 35,000 residents, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He noted that three decades is a significant span of time — one that has seen Sibu Jaya evolve into the main growth hub of central Sarawak.
“With more than 6,600 residential units, 384 commercial lots, and 179 industrial lots, Sibu Jaya has become the growth hub of central Sarawak.
“In fact, in terms of population, it now surpasses several nearby districts such as Kanowit, Song, Julau, Pakan, and Dalat,” Abang Johari said in a text speech read by State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang during Sibu Jaya 30th Anniversary and Concert Carnival Sibu Jaya 2025 at Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre Sibu Jaya tonight.
Abang Johari attributed the township’s success to strong collaboration between the Sarawak government, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Amcorp Group, local authorities and the local community.
He said Sibu Jaya is now ready to embark on a new phase of growth that aligns with Sarawak’s broader economic priorities.
“We want Sibu Jaya to continue aligning with Sarawak’s economic priorities so that its people can share in the prosperity generated by the state’s growth,” he said.
Moving forward, the Premier outlined four key focus areas — housing and community, business and industry, sports and recreation, and public and social facilities.
On housing and community, he said efforts would centre on developing second-generation housing and upgrading existing homes, while encouraging migration from old Sibu and nearby rural areas to pursue better opportunities in Sibu Jaya.
On business and industry, he said plans include strengthening Sibu Jaya’s role in the regional supply chain, attracting new investors with modern facilities, and exploring renewable energy projects such as solar farms on land unsuitable for heavy structures.
He said the sports and recreation agenda aims to position Sibu Jaya as the sporting hub of central Sarawak, with events such as the Sarawak Games (Suksar), Muay Thai championships, Pickleball tournaments and the proposed AquaCentre project.
Under public and social facilities, he highlighted the need to enhance education and healthcare infrastructure and develop a more efficient, sustainable public transport system.
Earlier, Abang Johari also revisited the township’s origins, its phases of development and transformation, as well as its many milestones and growing community diversity.
Meanwhile, Amcorp Group Berhad executive chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said Sibu Jaya’s resilience over the years was evident in how it had weathered various local, regional and global challenges — from financial crises to pandemics.
“Sibu Jaya is very proud to be prescribed the slogan “Segulai Sejalai” by the YAB Premier previously. This truly reflects Sibu Jaya as an iconic township known for its unity, harmony, inclusivity and solidarity.
“At the Sibu Jaya Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre, we have honoured champions like Sheirviana Matthew, our Bocia Para Athlete and have welcomed her to make this stadium her official training venue.
“We hope she will inspire other athletes and para athletes to achieve more sporting medals for Sarawak and make Sibu Jaya very proud,” he said.
Among those present were Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Future Fund Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie; Pansar managing director Pemanca Datuk Jason Tai, Amcorp Group Berhad advisor Soo Kim Wai; and Amcorp Group Berhad deputy chairperson Shalina Azman.
