Sibu is moving closer towards achieving city status as the Sibu Municipal Council continues to strengthen its financial standing, according to its chairman Clarence Ting.
Ting said one of the main requirements for city status is maintaining at least RM50 million in council reserves, with the council currently holding RM47 million.
“When I first took office in 2019, the reserves stood at RM19 million. Today, we have reached RM47 million. We are working hard to ensure Sibu achieves city status,” he said, as reported by The Borneo Post.
Although the municipality is nearing the financial target, Ting noted that another major requirement is reaching a population of 300,000 people, which remains a challenge beyond the council’s direct control.
Currently, the municipality has an estimated population of between 160,000 and 170,000 residents within its boundaries.
He added that continued development and stronger public participation will be crucial in helping Sibu fulfil the remaining criteria needed to be recognised as a city.
