Wong (left) and others giving the thumbs-up to the mascot-naming competition promotional placards at the main entrance of Wisma Sanyan.
SIBU: Visit Sibu Year (VSY) 2017 which goes by the theme ‘Heartland of Borneo’ will be launched at Sibu Town Square on March 12, at 7pm.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong said the crocodile as the mascot had been decided as it was a fitting tribute to accelerate the celebratory mood.
“We choose crocodile as the mascot since our main tourism product is the mighty Rajang River.
“We will emphasise eco-tourism and create a feeling of adventure for our visitors,” he told reporters here yesterday afternoon.
In conjunction with the launching, Wong said the council would run VSY 2017 Mascot Naming Competition for Sarawakians to participate.
Competitors have a month, from Feb 1 to 29, to come up with a name which should be in either English or Iban.
The winner, to be announced during the launching of VSY 2017, will take home RM1,000.
Details of the competition are available on www.travelsibu.com.
Some 15 placards promoting the mascot-naming competition have been erected at Wisma Sanyan, Premier Departmental Store, Daesco, Giant hypermarket, Sing Kwong Supermarket, Medan Mall, Delta Mall, Sibu Airport, Farley Supermarket, UCTS, KLT and Woodlands International School.
On the launching ceremony, Wong said it would be officiated at by either Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Adenan Satem or both federal and state Tourism Ministers.
Renowned Asian iconic singing star Shila Hamzah from Peninsular Malaysia is expected to perform at the function.