The Sarawak government has been urged to formulate a plan to drive economic development in Sibu and surrounding areas.
Sibu MP Oscar Ling said in a statement that this was necessary, as an increasing number of people from Sibu and rural areas were migrating to big cities.
“These people migrate as they fail to find good high-paying jobs in Sibu. The town does not have many job opportunities,” he said.
“The Sarawak government must have a clear economic plan for Sibu with the aim to attract foreign investors to set up colleges, training centres and hotels.
“Sibu also needs to develop tourism-related products,” he said.
Ling hoped that Sibu in central Sarawak would not be marginalised by the Sarawak government.
“Each region should get fair distribution of resources and development.
“Central Sarawak has potential to become an important economic zone.”
Ling added that he agreed with United Chinese Association Sibu president Lau Ing Siong who said the RM12.4bil Sarawak 2024 budget, which is the largest in its history, did not pay special attention to Sibu.
Under the budget, the government is allocating RM4.563bil for operations, and the development allocation is RM9.038bil. — By ANDY CHUA
