SIBU: SibuJaya is poised to enter a new phase of growth aligned with Sarawak’s wider economic aspirations, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the satellite township has grown from a mid 1990s housing settlement into a thriving community of more than 35,000 residents.
“SibuJaya is now ready to enter a new phase of development. We want SibuJaya to align with Sarawak’s economic priorities so residents can share in the state’s prosperity,” he added.
He said this at the SibuJaya 30th Anniversary and Concert Carnival SibuJaya 2025 on Saturday (November 8) night,
The Premier’s speech was read by Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang.
Abang Johari said key focus areas include housing and community development, business and industry growth, sports and recreation, and public and social amenities.
For housing, he said the state is encouraging second generation growth and upgrading existing homes.
He said SibuJaya will also attract migration from Old Sibu and surrounding rural areas in search of better opportunities.
On economic development, he said SibuJaya’s role in the regional supply chain will be strengthened by attracting investors and creating modern business facilities.
He said this will generate job opportunities.
Abang Johari said the state is also exploring renewable energy projects such as solar farms on land unsuitable for heavy construction.
To enhance quality of life, he said SibuJaya will be developed into a sports and recreation hub for central Sarawak.
He said this will be supported by events such as SUKSAR, Muay Thai championships and pickleball tournaments.
He said the proposed establishment of an AquaCentre is also planned, adding that public amenities including education and healthcare will be expanded in tandem with population growth.
Abang Johari then said that improvements in sustainable public transport systems will also be pursued.
“Three decades is not a short period of time. During this period, SibuJaya has gone from a small settlement with low cost housing to a modern satellite town,” added Abang Johari.
He said it has now become a preferred destination.
SibuJaya was planned in the mid 1990s with HDC responsible for low cost housing and Amcorp Group for commercial development.
The first housing units were completed in 1996, followed by schools and public facilities.
Major infrastructure projects such as the Durin Bridge in 2006 linked the township to the Pan Borneo Highway.
Since then, SibuJaya has received national and regional accolades for planning and development.
Awards include the Successful Planning Award 2007 and the South East Asia Properties Award 2014.
It also received the SHEDA Excellence Award 2017 and the Malaysian Architects Association Award 2023 for the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre.
Today, SibuJaya comprises more than 6,600 housing units, 384 commercial shoplots and 179 industrial lots.
Its population surpasses several nearby districts including Kanowit, Song, Julau, Pakan and Dalat.
Abang Johari said SibuJaya’s success reflects strong cooperation among the state government, HDC, Amcorp Group, local authorities and the community.
“This 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a new beginning for a more prosperous and inclusive future,” he said.
Also speaking was Amcorp Group executive chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim.
