SMC: Collaboration to make Sg Merah a safer township

0

Tiong (seventh left) with SMC officials and Sibu Youth Council members at the opening of Riverside Youth Avenue in Sungai Merah.

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is collaborating with the federal government in attaining a ‘Safe City Status’ for the Sungai Merah township.

Revealing this last weekend at the opening of Riverside Youth Avenue at Sungai Merah’s Heritage Walk, council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said it was working with Sungai Merah Neighbourhood Committee on improve the infrastructure there.

He also mentioned that a RM750,000 grant had been approved by the federal government for the purpose.

“SMC will install more street lights, footpaths, railings, bars for chaining motorcycles at parking lots, as well as safety mirrors and signs,” he said.

“Security in Sungai Merah has been maintained through community policing and neighbourhood efforts, but the government grant will help put Sungai Merah ahead as one of the safest towns in Sarawak.”

Tiong said the soon-to-be-unveiled upgrading project should be completed by mid-next year.

With the infrastructure upgrading and setting up of Riverside Youth Avenue, the SMC chief hoped to see Sungai Merah becoming a safer and more vibrant township that it is currently.

On the Riverside Youth Avenue, Tiong said its purpose was to encourage youths to start their own business and be self-employed.

“The stalls will feature a variety of activities like entertainment and performances, arts and handicrafts, food and beverage items, as well as retail and services. We leave it to the creativity of our young entrepreneurs.”

Event chairman Thomas Moh said Sibu Youth Council hoped to promote the entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation and provide a platform for youths to integrate and test their targeted market.

“We hope this would shape the entrepreneurial perspective of Sibu youths, locally and globally.”

For enquiries on Riverside Youth Avenue, call Wee Teck Siang at 013-8380666 / 016-8880100 (Annie), or email [email protected] / [email protected].