‘SMC has ventured beyond its traditional roles’

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IN THE LEAD: Wong (second left) leads the parade along with (from right) Ngieng, Lau and Tiong. — Photos by Othman Ishak

SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council has ventured beyond its traditional roles of enhancing its municipal responsibilities by promoting the town to become a tourism destination.

Its chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said they had made it a point that each year they would organise a few remarkable tourism events to boost Sibu as a tourist destination.

“The whole idea is to showcase the rich racial and ethnic traditions and cultures within the town and the central region, and turn it into a popular tourist destination,” he said at the opening of the 10th Borneo Cultural Festival celebration held at Sibu Town Square on Friday night.

Among those attending the function were Minister of Tourism and Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh and Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee.

In naming the events held, Tiong said the council had organised the Bukit Aup Jubilee Run in May, BCF in July, Christmas Trees Decoration Contest in December and the year-end countdown to usher in the new year.

“We also co-hosted many significant events like Sibu Cub Prix, Big Bike Show, Sibu Base Jump, Sibu Remote Control Sports Tournament and many others,” he said.

In addition to the tourism events, he said SMC also maintains many locations with big tourism potential such as the Sibu Central Market, Sibu Gateway, Sibu Town Square and the Pasar Malam.

“Recently, we created the Sibu Heritage Trail to facilitate tourist and visitors visiting the town in a guided and informed manner.” Tiong said the town people were happy and welcomed the recent announcement by Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari that Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) would hold the International Folk Dance festival in the town in 2013.

This would be another international tourism event hosted by STB after the renowned Borneo Rain Forest Music Festivals in Kuching and the International Jazz Festival in Miri.

GOOD SUPPORT: Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Hu Yu Siong (ninth right) is seen with members of the chamber’s contingent.

Tiong was confident that the proposal would receive the full support from the communities in Sibu and the central region.

“We are looking forward to seeing the materialisation of the event next year.” On the BCF, Tiong said it had become a signature event for the town and the central region since it first started in 2002.

The theme for BCF is `Beauty in Ethnic Diversity’ and it is a celebration which the people here should be proud of.

For this year’s edition, he said the event would include the usual Chinese, Malay, Melanau and Dayak festivals covering the three corners of Sibu Town Square Phase I from July 6-15.

At phase 2 of the Town Square is the Sibu Tradex hosted by City Vine Group which had attracted 129 stalls.

City Vine had also sponsored a dance group from Sri Lanka and an art, photography and calligraphy exhibition were organised by various associations at the BCF.

PROUD HERITAGE: Members of the Malay-Melanau and Dayak communities are seen during a photo call.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY: Participants are seen in various traditional costumes.