Abang Johari (third left) being briefed on the proposed Hashim Community Sports Centre while (from left) Dr Annuar, Ting, Sempurai (fourth left) and Dr Sim (right) look on.
SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg has given assurance that Sibu Jaya will continue to have a bright future with the development plan designed for this new township.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre today, he acknowledged that it was a great a challenge for him to develop Sibu Jaya when he was the minster of housing.
“So, we decided to re-design Sibu Jaya and once we re-designed, we received award for our master plan.
“That is when we developed other facilities; that is why we have the boulevard, fire station, police and so forth.
“Today, we can still see the development of Sibu Jaya based on the design that we did earlier,” he said.
He also said that Sibu Jaya would turn into a hub of connectivity from different towns once the six-kilometre road connecting Sibu Jaya township to Lanang area is completed.
As a hub, Sibu Jaya would be connected to the food baskets in Sarikei, Bintangor and Julau.
“When those agriculture activities are being developed, the connectivity will be between Sibu and Sibu Jaya and Sibu Jaya is not far from airport, so it can be a hub to export the produce,” he said.
He also said that with the completion of Coastal Road expected in 2025, it would change the landscape of Sibu.
Sibu Jaya would also enjoy the fruits of the changes with the Sibu Jaya as the connectivity hub, he added.
During his speech, Abang Johari also said that Sibu will also be included in the state urban renewal projects.
“We need a lot of investment to renew Sibu, but we will try to get the funds to rebuild Sibu,” he pointed out, adding that he would help Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian in the urban renewal projects.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Amcorp Group Tan Sri Azman Hashim said the proposed Community Sports Centre will be one of a modern design, multi-functional use and fully equipped.
“It will hold a football field and an outdoor 8-lane athletic track complete with comfortable covered seating for spectators.
“The track will be made of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Certified Herculan Rubberised Track System paved on a suspended slab.
“It is certified and qualified to host regional meets of up to Asean level international competitions,” he said.
He said along with these, multi-purpose indoor stadium which can house multiple sporting activities from basketball, futsal, volleyball, badminton and even gymnastic meets.
There are also changing rooms with toilets and shower facilities and alfresco outlet for basic sporting necessities and supplies.
“We hope this Community Sports Centre will encourage our younger generation and all Sibu Jaya residents to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
“God willing, some future National sportsmen, sportswomen and athletes may be from Sibu Jaya,” he enthused.
Also present were Assistant Minister for Education, Science and Technology Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting, and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.