Five-year roadmap proposed to implement Sibu Economic Zone

A FIVE-YEAR roadmap has been proposed to guide the implementation of the Sibu Special Economic Development Zone (SDZ) from 2027 to 2031.

Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said the roadmap would provide a structured approach to translating the proposed economic zone into investments, businesses and employment opportunities.

He said the success of the SDZ should not be measured solely by its allocation but by its ability to generate economic benefits for the people.

“For many years, Sibu has remained an important commercial, educational and cultural centre of Sarawak.

“However, we must also acknowledge that Sibu has not progressed at the pace that many of us would have wished.

“We must therefore move quickly from announcement to planning, from planning to implementation, and from implementation to measurable results,” he said.

Wong said this when debating in support of the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.

Under his proposed roadmap, 2027 would focus on establishing governance arrangements, completing the master plan, identifying priority sites and infrastructure, and engaging prospective investors.

He said 2028 should concentrate on securing investment commitments, preparing industrial sites, developing essential infrastructure and introducing workforce training programmes.

Pilot projects in food processing, value-added manufacturing and other commercially viable sectors could also begin during this period.

By 2029, Wong said the focus should shift towards accelerating industrial and commercial activities, with tangible progress expected in infrastructure, operating businesses and employment.

The fourth year, 2030, would concentrate on expanding exports, strengthening local supply chains, improving productivity and increasing local business participation.

He said 2031 should involve a comprehensive assessment of the SDZ’s economic and social impact, including investments realised, jobs created, wage growth and benefits to surrounding communities.

“The findings should guide the next phase of expansion and identify areas requiring improvement,” he said.

Wong stressed that the proposed roadmap was not a rigid timetable, as adjustments might be necessary depending on market conditions, infrastructure readiness and investment demand.

“The essential point is that we must begin now, maintain momentum and ensure that every year brings measurable progress,” he added.

Wong also welcomed the initial RM1.5-billion allocation envisaged for the proposed economic zone, describing it as an opportunity to revitalise Sibu’s economy and create better-paying jobs.