Chieng (sixth right), Tiang (third right), Ching Yong (third left), Dr Wong (second left) on behalf of the respective SUPP branches, hand over the donation to fire victims at Jalan Tiong Hua, Sibu. Ting is at second right.
SIBU (April 12): Redevelopment of Bukit Assek is the only solution to rejuvenate the area, which spans some 400 acres, said Sibu Urban Renewal Committee chairman, Dato Chieng Buong Toon.
He said the plan for the mega project was already on the drawing board but it was not possible to redevelop the entire area stretching from Jalan Hua Khiew all the way to Jalan Amoy overnight.
“The (state) government already instructed the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) to come up with the (Bukit Assek redevelopment) master plan. And now, it is already on the drawing board.
“We hope the process of coming up with the master plan can be hastened,” Chieng told reporters after handing over donations from Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibu branches to victims of the recent Jalan Tiong Hua fire.
Additionally, Chieng recalled that LCDA had already conducted two labs on the redevelopment of Bukit Assek and was planning to conduct a social impact assessment study and basic socio economic profile survey.
He revealed that following the fire two weeks ago, he had been swarmed with calls from members of the public, asking for updates on the Bukit Assek redevelopment plan.
In this regard, he reckoned that it was timely to redevelop the area, where many wooden houses were built in the 1950s.
“Most wooden houses were built here crammed together on narrow streets. The situation has worsened as the population continues to grow. It has become a fire hazard today,” he said.
According to Chieng, other problems in the area included the increasing dengue cases, blocked drains, and flooding every rainy season, making it unconducive for dwelling.
He also advised households to keep a fire extinguisher in the interest of fire safety.
On the assistance for the fire victims, Chieng, who is SUPP deputy president II and Bukit Assek branch chairman, explained that it was from the party’s five branches here.
“The fire destroyed 10 houses and affected 11 families. The Welfare Department and Sibu folk including community leaders and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have come forward to lend a hand to the victims whether in cash or in kind.
“SUPP (five branches in Sibu) apart from (giving) food items (to the fire victims), we (also) gave RM5,000 today (divided among the 11 families),” he said.
Among those present at the site were SUPP Pelawan chairman Clarence Ting, who is Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman; SUPP Pelawan secretary Michael Tiang, SUPP Dudong chairman Wong Ching Yong, SUPP Dudong assistant secretary Dr Wong Chya Wei and SUPP Bukit Assek youth chief Joseph Chieng.