SIBU, Aug 7 — A total of 153 projects have been approved for the Sibu Division with a total ceiling of RM746.5 million under the first half of the 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP), Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said today.

He said as of the end of last month, a total of 62 projects or 40.5 per cent have been completed, 36 projects or 23.5 per cent are under various stages of implementation and another 39 others or 25.5 per cent are in the planning stage.

"Sibu had physically performed slightly better under the first half of 12MP.

"However, with the outcome of the current 12MP Mid-Term Review exercise, Sibu needs to improve its deliverables to achieve what is targeted in our Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he told reporters after chairing the Sarawak Development Coordination Committee (SDCC) meeting here.

On the Bukit Assek redevelopment in Sibu by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), the premier said a preliminary study is currently being undertaken by a Danish consultant and is expected to be completed by July next year.

He stressed a long-term private sector driven initiative is to redevelop the 201ha Bukit Assek into a modern and vibrant place which can attract investment and uplift the socio economy of the area and Sibu as a whole.

He said the private sector is to provide housing, commercial and water catchment management solutions in-line with the aspiration of the PCDS 2030.

Abang Johari said the flood master plan mitigation projects for Sibu by the state Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak (DID) will not resolve the Bukit Assek flood issue.

He said this is because the ground level at the area is in a depression state, adding that any the endeavour of engineering solutions would be ineffective associated with hefty costs.