SIBU – The collapse of a shophouse in Jalan Pahlawan, Sibu, has been categorised as a disaster requiring state-level intervention, with the matter referred to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN).
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian confirmed that the Cabinet made the decision after receiving clarification from Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
The incident has raised concerns about structural safety and the need for expert assessments to prevent similar occurrences.
Dr Sim explained that the government is working closely with JPBN to coordinate recovery efforts and ensure affected residents receive necessary support.
He stressed that technical expertise is vital in determining the cause of the collapse and in planning long-term solutions for urban safety.
The Cabinet has also linked the incident to broader redevelopment plans in Sibu, particularly the Bukit Assek Redevelopment Project, which aims to revitalise the area.
The State Planning Authority (SPA) has already approved land coverage of 815 acres, with the Land and Survey Department and Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) tasked with managing land acquisition.
Dr Sim revealed that the government has engaged international consultancy firm Ramboll from Denmark, with RM30 million allocated for consultancy fees.
The overall redevelopment project is expected to cost up to RM500 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12), covering land purchases and new housing developments.
He emphasised that the project will not only address safety concerns but also provide modern housing and infrastructure for residents.
“We are very fortunate to have experts guiding us on how to overcome these challenges and ensure the well-being of the community,” he said.
The redevelopment plan is part of a wider effort to modernise Sibu and strengthen resilience against disasters. Dr Sim also highlighted the importance of cooperation between state and federal leaders, noting that Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, had secured RM2.4 billion for flood control projects in Kuching.
He urged Members of Parliament to take responsibility in securing federal funds for Sarawak’s development, stressing that leadership must extend beyond local issues to national collaboration.
The collapse has underscored the urgency of upgrading ageing structures in Sibu, with the government pledging to prioritise safety, housing, and infrastructure in its redevelopment agenda.
The Bukit Assek project is expected to transform the area into a modern urban hub while ensuring that residents are relocated to safer and more sustainable housing.
