Biggest display of various lanterns in Sarawak

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One of the lanterns at Sibu Town Square Phase 1.

SIBU: The Sibu Lantern and Food Festival 2017 from Oct 3 to 26 may be the largest display of different lanterns in Sarawak.

Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) is organising the event initiated by Sibu Municipal Council and held as part of the Visit Sibu Year (VSY) programme.

“It could be the biggest lantern display in Sarawak. In fact, people have predicted that it is,” said SCCCI president Dr Hii Sui Cheng.

Hii believed the festival will help strengthen racial unity and harmony.

“I’m happy to see the multi-racial flavour everywhere in Sarawak, and in the state government’s policies as well as efforts to preserve multicultural, religious tolerance and moderation in everything we do,” he told The Borneo Post when checking on the preparation for the festival at the Town Square here yesterday.

SCCCI secretary-general Richard Wong Ei Sing was present.

Hii said preparations were going smoothly and should be completed by Sept 30 when a trial light-up will be held. The total cost estimated at RM500,000 will be jointly borne by SCCCI, SMC and sponsors.

“This lantern festival is part of SCCCI’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help make Visit SIbu Year a success. This is our contribution,” he added.

The lanterns were designed by a Kuala Lumpur-based company.

“They submitted (the design) to us and we approved it after several fine-tuning to keep within the RM300,000 budget.”

The project is expected to draw tourists from the Peninsula and Singapore.

Hii said Johor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be here from Oct 4 to 6 as part of their study tour on SCCCI’s invitation.

“Outstation tourists led by Johor Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry have confirmed coming to visit Sibu.”