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

“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 during the debate on 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 said many in the lower- and middle-income groups in Sibu were waiting for affordable homes

He suggested that Putrajaya consider building affordable homes in Sungai Bidut in Sibu’s West Bank area.

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,” he said.

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.

He also 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,” he said.