Robert Lau on Sibu MP criticism of SRDC administrative centre in Sibujaya

suppadmin | April 17, 2017

Robert Lau BN Sibu Liaison Chairman responses to Sibu MP criticism of proposed SRDC administrative centre in Sibujaya.

Sibu MP, Oscar Ling, had in the paper yesterday, commented SRDC plan to set up its administrative office in Sibujaya on the reason that the proposed site in Sibujaya is too far away from the opposite bank (West Bank ) of Rajang River and that the villagers of West Bank have to travel 26 km to do simple task.

SRDC has planned to have its own administrative office quite a few years ago with two proposed sites – Sibujaya and Selangau. SRDC has land on both sites that are suitable for this purpose. Currently SRDC administrative office is located outside its own jurisdiction and on top of a office tower.

The Sibu MP has to be reminded of a few points, which he has either forgotten or ignorant about.

First, he is the MP of Sibu that includes areas in Kemunyan, Pasai and part of the Sibu-Bintulu Road. For residents of these areas, Sibujaya is nearby and more convenient. The jurisdiction of SRDC covers not just the parliamentary seat of Sibu but also another two seats – Lanang (P211) and Selangau (P214)

Second, the over the counter services provided by SRDC are now available at UTC, at the Sibu Central Market, which is right opposite the West Bank. There are numerous ferries that serve as link between the two sides for those using motorcycles or by foot. The UTC counters have been set up about two years ago for the convenience of the people. The MP should visit UTC to see and appreciate the service.

Third, SRDC jurisdiction covers a big area – 6,000 square kilometers. It covers most of Sibu District (except for the 130 square kilometers under Sibu Municipal Council and Selangau District. The population under SRDC area is about 70,000 people. More than half of the populations stays on the eastern side of Sibu from 8th Mile Oya Road all the way to 130 kilometers of Sibu-Bintulu Road. Sibujaya Township has about 30,000 people, 40% of the total population of SRDC. At the same time, Selangau is expanding and there is a sizable population too.

Does the Sibu MP consider the position of those who stayed in Sibujaya and those who stayed in the longhouses along the Sibu-Bintulu Road?

Fourth, Some of SRDC staff actually stayed in Sibujaya and many more along Tunku Abdul Rahman Road which is nearer to Sibujaya than to Wisma Sanyan. To say that Sibujaya is an inconvenient location for SRDC staff shows the MP as being ignorant and out of touch with the people on the ground.

Sibujaya is a good location to have SRDC administrative centre. The previous group of councilors had made the right decision in planning for its own office in Sibujaya. Sibujaya has been established for 25 years. It is a township that is well planned. The master plan of Sibujaya is for the area to double the current size. That means the population of Sibujaya will eventually reach 60,000 in the next 10 to 20 years. This is very achievable.

The overwhelming majority of the population is and will be from the Iban community who are moving to town. SRDC has to position itself to serve this group of rural- urban migrants.

For the MP of Sibu to only see the issue from the opposition Bank of Sibu is very narrow and regressive. He should be working on how to develop the West Bank in particular and Sibu Town in general.

SRDC is planning for the long term. The plan is not only for the administrative centre but also to include a new wet market and food court at the proposed site in Sibujaya. This is killing two birds with one stone. This is strategic as well as economical as some of the facilities can be shared such as the car park and electrical substation. The market cum food court will more than double the current market which was built 20 years ago. The current market is already full. There are more traders wanting to come in but unable due to space constraint. In fact there are traders from the West Bank trading in Sibujaya market.

SRDC is planning and working for the best interest for the people under its jurisdiction.