UNDER CONSTRUCTION: The stage as seen from Wisma Sanyan.
THE DESIGN: Architect Abu Bakar Sepawi (third right) discusses the plans with (from left) Ngieng, Hii, Wong, Lau and Tiong.
SIBU: The Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) from June 28 to July 7 will for the first time feature a permanent stage.
Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said the RM1.9 million stage, currently under construction, is 60 per cent complete.
He said the project, which started last October, is expected to be ready next month.
“The 900-square-metre stage with tiled floor would accommodate among others, changing rooms complete with built-in toilets, an audio visual room and holding area.
“The stage roofing structure is symbolic of a swan, which is the symbol of Sibu,” he told reporters after a project inspection on Monday.
Wong pointed out that over the past 10 years, the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has had to erect temporary stages costing over RM100,000 for BCF and other events.
“So it is really a waste of money. With the new stage, we will have a proper facility and permanent structure for the annual event,” he said.
BCF is the biggest cultural event in the central region.
Among those present for the inspection yesterday were SMC chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King, deputy chairman Daniel Ngieng, secretary Hii Chang Kee and Temenggong Vincent Lau.