SIBU: The Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) has voiced concern over the lack of official updates on the status of two key school construction projects in Sibu Jaya: SMK Dudong and SK Dudong.
SRDC deputy chairman Councillor Wong Ching Yong stressed the importance of transparency from contractors and implementing agencies, given the significance of these schools to the local community’s educational development.
“We are very happy that these two schools were listed under national projects in 2020 and 2023.
“However, to date, we have not received any official updates on their progress, even though there are visible signs of construction activity on site,” Wong said after the Selangau Rafting Challenge 2025 press conference here on Thursday.
Wong, who is also chairman of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong branch, said SRDC, as the local authority responsible for planning and security, should be kept informed about projects that directly affect the growth of Sibu Jaya.
“We do not have direct authority over education projects, but it is important that we are given access to project information – not to interfere, but to ensure development aligns with local infrastructure needs and does not pose safety concerns,” he said.
According to Wong, the SMK and SK Dudong projects were first proposed in 2011 by former Assistant Minister of Housing and Dudong assemblyman, Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck, in response to rapid population growth in Sibu Jaya.
The projects went through a series of delays, having been included and later removed from the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans, before being finalised under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
Wong said SRDC had contacted the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to request a briefing but was informed that the department had also not received complete implementation details.
“I call on all relevant parties to come forward and explain the actual implementation schedule of the project,” he urged.
“The residents of Sibu Jaya have the right to know the progress of a project that addresses the basic educational needs of the next generation.”
Separately, Wong also expressed concern over the increasing number of houses in Sibu Jaya being illegally converted into rental rooms, which he said poses safety risks to occupants.
“SRDC has obtained legal advice and is prepared to take action against property owners who violate housing laws,” he said.
“Adherence to development regulations and housing safety is critical, especially in fast-growing areas like Sibu Jaya.”
SRDC deputy chairman Councillor Wong Ching Yong stressed the importance of transparency from contractors and implementing agencies, given the significance of these schools to the local community’s educational development.
“We are very happy that these two schools were listed under national projects in 2020 and 2023.
“However, to date, we have not received any official updates on their progress, even though there are visible signs of construction activity on site,” Wong said after the Selangau Rafting Challenge 2025 press conference here on Thursday.
Wong, who is also chairman of the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Dudong branch, said SRDC, as the local authority responsible for planning and security, should be kept informed about projects that directly affect the growth of Sibu Jaya.
“We do not have direct authority over education projects, but it is important that we are given access to project information – not to interfere, but to ensure development aligns with local infrastructure needs and does not pose safety concerns,” he said.
According to Wong, the SMK and SK Dudong projects were first proposed in 2011 by former Assistant Minister of Housing and Dudong assemblyman, Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck, in response to rapid population growth in Sibu Jaya.
The projects went through a series of delays, having been included and later removed from the 10th and 11th Malaysia Plans, before being finalised under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
Wong said SRDC had contacted the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) to request a briefing but was informed that the department had also not received complete implementation details.
“I call on all relevant parties to come forward and explain the actual implementation schedule of the project,” he urged.
“The residents of Sibu Jaya have the right to know the progress of a project that addresses the basic educational needs of the next generation.”
Separately, Wong also expressed concern over the increasing number of houses in Sibu Jaya being illegally converted into rental rooms, which he said poses safety risks to occupants.
“SRDC has obtained legal advice and is prepared to take action against property owners who violate housing laws,” he said.
“Adherence to development regulations and housing safety is critical, especially in fast-growing areas like Sibu Jaya.”