Abang Johari (third left) visits one of the stalls at Sibu Central Market.
SIBU: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg took some time off his busy schedule to visit the central market here yesterday.
He was greeted by a lion dance performance on arrival and after that, he proceeded to meet the traders and visitors there.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to buy some items from several vendors, before enjoying refreshments such as ‘pulut panggang’ (grilled banana-leaf-wrapped glutinous rice), ‘kampua’ noodles and ‘the tarik’, served on the first floor of the market.
Abang Johari was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, and Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Those from the welcoming side were Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sibu Resident Charles Siaw and Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting.
Prior to the walkabout, Abang Johari had officiated at the ceremony to mark the launch of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Zone 9 Sibu at the civic centre here.
After the central market tour, the Chief Minister and his entourage proceeded to conduct a Chinese New Year visit to Ta Ann Group chief executive officer Dato Wong Kuok Hea, who is also the managing director of Ta Ann Holdings, at the latter’s residence in T-Park Apartment Suites, Lorong Sena 2 here.
Upon arrival, Abang Johari received a red carpet welcome from the host, together with the present Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi and former MP, Datuk Abdul Wahab Dolah.
Later in the afternoon, Abang Johari proceeded to officiate at the launch of the World Wetland Day 2020 Sibu in Bukit Lima Nature Reserve.
In the evening, the Chief Minister attended a Chinese New Year dinner hosted by Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibu at the town’s civic centre.