THE policy of Sibu Municipal Council in the next two years will be more people-centric.
It has listed improvements to the basic infrastructure namely roads and drains as among its agenda until 2025.
Council chairman Clarence Ting, who has been reappointed for a new term, said the municipality would also need to focus on cleanliness and hygiene in Sibu, Sarawak.
“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the public is even more conscious about cleanliness with demands for cleaner toilets in food outlets growing louder and louder,” he said.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for councillors for the 2023-2025 term, Ting emphasised that the council would have to take stringent action against those who continued to discharge untreated wastewater into the drains and caused blockage.
“We also need to focus on town beautification, making the trees and plants more uniform and neat,” he said, adding that they had big tasks in the next two years.
On the matter of expanding Jalan Wawasan and Jalan Aman to reduce traffic congestion in the area, Ting said it would be discussed during the committee meetings.
“In Sibu, we are on the verge of exciting renewal. The state government plans to rebuild Bukit Assek. This will totally transform Sibu downtown.
“We have only one goal and that is to make Sibu a better place for everyone to live,” he said.
Ting also called on his councillors to prioritise service to the public and serve regardless of political parties, race, creed and religion.
“I would also like to stress the importance of personal integrity when serving as a councillor.
“As a councillor, we should not have personal interest and only in this way can we gain the trust of the public to deal with issues,” he added.
Deputy Premier Datuk Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, officiated at the ceremony.