13MP to deliver key link roads, flood mitigation projects for Sibu, says rep

Borneo Post

5 days ago

Chieng expresses hope that the implementation of these projects will begin under Rolling Plan 1 of 13MP. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (Aug 2): The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is set to bring significant development to Sibu with the approval of several new link roads and flood mitigation projects, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng revealed.
He noted that the initiatives have already secured approval, with necessary funding allocated for implementation.
'The 13MP is very important for Sibu especially, as it includes plans for several new connecting roads,' he said.
Among the projects is a new link road connecting Hann's Residence Estate to Airport Road, passing through Bukit Lima Forest Park.
Chieng expressed hope that the implementation of these projects will begin under Rolling Plan 1 of 13MP.
'With the rollout of 13MP, I am hoping that these link roads in Sibu will be realised soon,' he said at a Father's Day gift distribution event at the N51 Bukit Assek Service Centre today.
Chieng also disclosed plans for another link road connecting Jalan Kong Yit Khim and Salim.
However, due to high utility relocation costs, an alternative route connecting Jalan Bukit Penyau and Jalan Salim has been proposed.
He added that a request had been made to the Land and Survey Department to establish road connections for Jalan Maling.
'They will construct a proper road link. All of these are part of 13MP. This shows the significance of 13MP (to Sibu),' he said.
Chieng further highlighted the second phase of the Jalan Oya upgrading project as part of 13MP.
'In the Pelawan constituency of Datuk Michael Tiang, another new link road has also been planned under the development initiative.'
During the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in May, Chieng proposed the Sentosa Flood Mitigation Project under 13MP.
He said the proposal was well-received by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government.
Chieng also revealed that the Jerrwit Flood Mitigation Project – designed to protect areas stretching from Kampung Saujana to Ek Dee – is anticipated to be implemented under Rolling Plan 2 of 13MP.
He assured the public that these projects are no longer at the proposal stage, as necessary approvals have been granted and funding allocated.
'It's just a matter of time. Many projects are still in the design phase. The funds are available. Once 13MP is underway, they can begin the tender process.
'Hopefully, many of these projects will fall under Rolling Plan 1 so they can start sooner. Otherwise, if it's under Rolling Plan 2, it will only commence in 2027,' he said.
For reference, Rolling Plan 1 refers to the first year of the 13MP, which spans from 2026 to 2030.
Chieng also mentioned that Sibu needs more link roads to effectively ease traffic congestion.
'Some have proposed flyovers, but that alone will not completely solve congestion. It will just move the bottleneck elsewhere.
'However, with these new link roads, traffic congestion will be alleviated,' said Chieng.
The Public Works Department (JKR), he said, has identified two potential flyover sites – the traffic junction in front of Farley Commercial Centre and the traffic junction between Jalan Deshon and Jalan Ling Kai Cheng. 13MP flood mitigation projects joseph chieng link roads Sibu