Sempurai (seated, centre) and Lau on his right join other officials from MCC and SRDC in a memento group photo.
SIBU: The Miri City Council (MCC) and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) strive to learn from each other when it comes to area planning, which includes social and commercial developments.
Recently, a 10-member delegation from MCC led by Councillor Kueh Chie Tiong conducted a study visit to Sibu Jaya, where they were welcomed by SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai and his deputy Robert Lau Hui Yew.
According to Lau, the MCC delegates wanted to take a closer look at SRDC’s management of the the Sibu Jaya township and the night market there.
“We’re honoured that a major city council like MCC is just as enthusiastic about our effort in Sibu Jaya as we are,” Lau said.
At the same time, he said the SRDC side also took the opportunity to learn from their Miri counterparts about challenges and solutions that they faced in the state’s northern region.
“It has been a very fruitful visit and we look forward to an opportunity to reciprocate their (MCC) gesture,” he said.
Meanwhile the Sibu Jaya weekend bazaar, which was declared open by Local Government and Housing
Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian last mid-December, has been having a very successful run despite the inclement weather.
According to Lau, there is a long list of vendors waiting to get their spots. He said should the response continue to be strong, the SRDC might work towards expanding the night market further.
“Right from the start, our intention has always been to provide a platform for the people, especially residents of Sibu Jaya, to trade. We have gone all out to ensure that they need only minimal capital to kick-start their business,” he said, pointing out that the canopies and even the tables are provided by SRDC.
Lau expressed his hope that the traders would continue to enjoy brisk business and at the same time, understand the need to evolve and maintain a high degree of hygiene and civic-mindedness to ensure the night market’s attractive appeal.