Dr Annuar (third left), Sarbini (second left) and others perform the ‘ngiling tikai’ to close the Gawai celebration.
SIBU: Sibu Mara Entrepreneur Association (Pusmas) has been assured of funds for the rigging-up of an awning the Mara Arcade building.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee said he would discuss with Pusmas chairman Selohi@Sarbini Awai again regarding the initial RM200,000 needed for the project.
“I will discuss with the chairman again because the RM200,000 budget is too big.
“It might be possible for cost reduction. I will try my best to help,” he said when officiating at a Gawai-Raya celebration at Mara Arcade on Wednesday evening.
The Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research agreed that the awning is necessary to enable trading outside the building during weekends.
The weekend trading starts at 7am and ends at 7pm.
Dr Annuar said for the time being traders have to use canopies which are inconvenient.
According to Dr Annuar, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has agreed to help in the project.
“But we need approval from Mara and I will ask for funds from the state government,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarbini said the festive celebration was a yearly affair to create closer rapport among entrepreneurs.
Also present at the event was Pusmas deputy chairperson Dayang Morjenah Awang Wahab.