SIBU – The township of Sibu Jaya is commemorating its 30th anniversary this weekend, celebrating three decades of transformation from a low-income housing area into a modern satellite town and economic centre in central Sarawak.
At the anniversary event held on 8 November at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted the township’s evolution.
He pointed to more than 6,600 residential units, 384 commercial lots and 179 industrial sites developed to accommodate over 35,000 residents.
He attributed the successful development of Sibu Jaya to a collaborative effort involving the state government, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the Amcorp Group Berhad, local authorities and the community.
The township’s progress, he said, is grounded in the 2005 master plan and key infrastructure such as the Durin Bridge, which links Sibu Jaya to the Pan Borneo Highway and has facilitated investment and connectivity.
“The 30th anniversary is not just a look back at our journey, but marks a new beginning to make Sibu Jaya a town of hope and progress for the people of Sarawak,” the Premier said.
Looking ahead, the state government has outlined four primary focus areas for the next phase of development: housing and community, business and industry, sports and recreation, and public and social facilities.
The Premier said the next generation of homes will be built, existing dwellings upgraded, and population movement from older Sibu and surrounding rural areas encouraged.
He also flagged plans to strengthen Sibu Jaya’s role in the regional supply chain, attract new investment with modern business facilities, pursue renewable energy projects such as solar farms, and cultivate the township as a sports-and-recreation hub for central Sarawak.
Present at the celebration were several dignitaries, including the Tan Sri Azman Hashim (Chairman of Amcorp Group), Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, and Chairman of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund Trustee Board Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie.
In his remarks, Azman Hashim praised the township’s resilience in facing regional and global challenges, referencing how the community weathered financial crises and the pandemic years.
He noted that Sibu Jaya’s inclusive spirit is captured in its motto “Segulai Sejalai” and highlighted the Azman Hashim Community Sports Centre as a place where champions such as para-athlete Sheirviana Matthew are training, inspiring others and making Sibu Jaya proud.
Sibu Jaya’s journey began in the mid-1990s, with the first batch of low-cost housing units completed in 1996 under a joint development by HDC and Amcorp.
Over time, planning and investment turned the area into a township offering a mix of modern housing, education, commercial, industrial and recreational facilities.
As Sibu Jaya enters its next chapter, the state government emphasises the importance of inclusive growth, community cohesion and sustainable infrastructure development.
The celebration serves both to acknowledge past achievements and to chart a roadmap for future progress that aligns with Sarawak’s broader economic ambitions.
