BINTULU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has called for a review of the bridge project linking Taman Kemena Sutera and Taman Jason due to residents’ concerns on its impact on the deepening and widening of Sungai Sebiew.
He said the immediate priority should be completing the resettlement of residents from illegal settlements along both sides of the river to make way for the deepening and widening project.
The Bintulu MP also noted that the lack of progress on this project since 2019 has left residents disappointed.
“This critical river serves as the main discharge channel during heavy water surges. However, the authorities’ decision to approve a bridge project at such a critical juncture has come as a shocking blow to local residents.
“Unfortunately, the resettlement process has been hindered by bureaucratic delays and a lackadaisical attitude among departments, leaving residents deeply disappointed,” he said in a Facebook post following a recent third Bintulu Development Committee meeting.
Tiong further urged that a special meeting be convened in January 2025 to address all obstacles related to the Sungai Sebiew project, insisting that clear deadlines must be established to expedite the resettlement process as efficiently as possible.
Additionally, he called on the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to produce a master plan for the resettlement project.
“The BDA must urgently produce a master plan for the resettlement project, detailing timelines, construction progress, rental or purchase costs, and other relevant information to ensure a smooth and transparent relocation process.
Tiong also urged other relevant agencies including Public Works Department (PWD) and Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) to carefully review the bridge project as he believed the current design of the bridge may obstruct future riverbed maintenance work.
He stressed that all development plans must be forward-looking and capable of accommodating future trends and population growth, which includes upgrading water supply systems, expanding clinics or hospitals, and building additional schools.
“The project must prioritise community needs, ensuring it benefits a broad section of society rather than a small group of residents. Community engagement is a prerequisite for implementing any development plan.
“I reiterate that all development plans must be forward-looking. While the upfront cost may be higher, it will save on maintenance costs in the long term,” he added.
