Heritage Trail set for launching

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will launch the Sibu Heritage Trail at Sibu Heritage Centre on June 19.

Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism Sarawak Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate at the event at 9.30am.

Council secretary Hii Chang Kee told a press conference yesterday that there were nine stops or stations along the trail.

They are Sibu Heritage Centre, Sibu Old Mosque, Warriors Memorial Site, An-Nur Mosque, Oldest Muslim Cemetery, Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum, Hoover Memorial Square, Tua Pek Kong Temple, and Sibu Central Market.

“Basically, we start from Point A at Sibu Heritage Centre and end at Point I at Sibu Central Market.

“The objective is to provide a short walking trail in the town centre as a guide for tourists,” he pointed out.

He also said the council would place brochures on the trail at hotels, taxis, travel agencies and major counters.

The brochure would include a write-up on selected sites, some old pictures, the trail route and directories.

He said each of the nine selected spots would have an information board to show the historical background of the spot.

Hii said the council had played its part beyond its traditional role of ensuring the growth of Sibu.

“The council not only provides municipal services, such as grass cutting or road improvements but also the promotion of our town,” he pointed out.

He also said although tourism was not town’s main growth area, the council had always tried its best to promote tourism in the town.

Meanwhile, deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng said Sibu had much to offer but was short of systematic information.

“The trail is particularly prepared to make it easy for tourist to visit the heritage sites,” he pointed out.

He said the administration had spent plenty of time on researching the sites.

He said the route from Point A to Point I was about 2km.

Also present at the press conference was council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King.