UTC Sibu can outperform UTC Kuching, says SIMU chief

0
(From left) Bakrie, Wong, Tiong, Morshidi and Ng pose in front of UTC Sibu logo.

(From left) Bakrie, Wong, Tiong, Morshidi and Ng pose in front of UTC Sibu logo.

SIBU: This town’s strategic location in the central region will enable Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here to catch up with UTC Kuching in term of number of customers served.

Director of State Implementation and Monitoring Unit (SIMU) of the Chief Minister’s Office, Bakrie Zaini said the central region had a high population.

“Since it started operation in September 2014, UTC Kuching had registered 1.2 million customers.

“We believe the number in Sibu will be higher due to the locality factor,” he said before accompanying Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh to inspect UTC Sibu yesterday.

The centre here, located at the ground floor and from Level 8 to 10 of Sibu Central Market’s multi-storey car park, opened its doors last March 14.

It opens daily from 8am to 9pm, except on public holidays.

It houses the following agencies: Royal Malaysia Police(PDRM), Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Sarawak Treasury Department, Sarawak Welfare Department, Sibu Resident’s Office, Sibu District Office, Sarawak Energy Bhd, Sibu Rural District Council, Sibu Water Board, National Registration Department, Immigration Department, 1Malaysia Clinic, Road Transport Department and National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

“UTC is a wonderful project that brings people closer to the government,” Wong said.

“Most of the time, the people are not happy with locations and operating hours of government departments and agencies.

“This project convinced people that Barisan Nasional (BN) is a caring government.”

Meanwhile, Plaza Merdeka Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Steve Ng Thian Yew, who is the developer of the project, said facilities at UTC Sibu were OKU (individuals with disabilities) compliant.

Also present was SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and acting SMC secretary Morshidi Frederick.