Backbencher laments absence of affordable homes in Sibu

DAP’s Oscar Ling (PH-Sibu) said, to date, there have been no affordable housing projects developed by the federal government in Sibu.

“The only affordable housing project under the housing and local government is in Sibu Jaya and that can be considered abandoned,” he told the Dewan Rakyat in debating the 13MP today.

“My constituents are asking whether this project will continue under the 13MP.

“We cannot allow Sibu to be left behind in the national housing agenda.”

Ling suggested that Putrajaya consider building affordable homes at Sungai Bidut in Sibu’s West Bank area, adding that many from among the lower- and middle-income brackets in Sibu were eagerly waiting for affordable homes.

He said the West Bank had great potential for development, citing a recent state government project to build a bridge connecting the area with the Sibu city centre.

Sibu Hospital in dire need of upgrades

The three-term MP also said Sibu Hospital was nearly at maximum capacity, pointing out that it serves as the main hospital for referrals in Sarawak’s entire central region.

“The hospital is facing space limitations and insufficient facilities. The demand for specialist services is increasing year-on-year.”

Ling called for the 13MP to include a new building for the hospital in line with plans to turn it into a regional hospital like the Miri Hospital and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching.

He said radiotherapy treatment services were currently only available at SGH, forcing cancer patients from areas like Kapit and Song to incur high travel and accommodation costs to receive treatment.

The MP said it was time for Sibu Hospital to have its own oncology department equipped with the necessary facilities as well as human resources and treatment capabilities.

“This can only be achieved if a new Sibu Hospital building is built with specific plans to accommodate such facilities.”