SIBU: The planned redevelopment of Bukit Assek, covering an area of 800 acres, is set to become a key catalyst for economic growth and development in Sibu in the years ahead.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said implementation of the large-scale project requires careful preparation and long-term planning before any visible physical development can take place.

“Usually, before major infrastructure is constructed, there are various preliminary works such as drilling, piling and site preparation. These are processes that must be undertaken before any development can be realised.

“I am confident that this year we will witness the official launch of the Sarawak Premier’s grand vision for the redevelopment of Bukit Assek,” he said when speaking to officiate The Big DEAL Expo Sibu 2026 at the Sibu Indoor Stadium recently.

The Pelawan Assemblyman added that the Sarawak Government had taken four years to prepare the redevelopment plan, including conducting detailed studies to ensure the project is implemented in a structured and sustainable manner.

According to him, globally recognised professional consultants were also appointed to conduct studies not only on the 800-acre development area but also on a wider area exceeding 5,000 acres to support the master plan.

“We are making preparations, conducting studies, identifying allocations and exploring alternative financial resources to ensure that all plans can be implemented effectively,” he said.

He emphasised that the local community and business sector must be prepared to embrace change and seize the new opportunities that will arise from the large-scale development.

In this context, Datuk Michael described the organisation of The Big DEAL Expo 2026 as a manifestation of the readiness of the local business community, which is becoming increasingly progressive with new ideas and innovative approaches.

“While we take pride in our strong timber industry heritage and established trade routes, we are now witnessing very encouraging growth, particularly among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“The emergence of new trade and businesses, creative industries, digital commerce, youth entrepreneurship and cross-border trade brought together under one roof through this expo demonstrates Sibu’s immense potential,” he said.

The three-day expo, organised by Borneo Plux Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Sibu Division Resident’s Office from 6 to 8 February, attracted 500 visitors and featured a wide range of products including food and beverages, furniture, electrical goods and other consumer products.

Also present were Administrative Officer at the Sibu Division Resident’s Office Haider Kowel Bete, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Entrepreneurship Development Division at Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) Zainap Halip, General Manager of Capacity and Digitalisation at Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) Joachim Soon Ghim Seng, President of the National Consumer Action Council Sarawak Region Lucas Lau and Organising Chairperson of The Big DEAL Expo 2026 Zoey Ting. -UKASnews