Call to include more streets in plan to revitalise Sibu town centre

The Star

5 days ago

Irene Wong: Include other historic streets as part of Sibu's long-term development strategy.
Sibu Municipal Council's (SMC) proposal for a night market walkway between the back lane of Jalan Market and Jalan Cross has received praise, but also prompted calls for broader revitalisation in the area.
Irene Wong (pic), who is Sibu MP Oscar Ling's special assistant, said more needed to be done for Sibu's town centre.
'Sibu was a thriving commercial hub in the 1980s and 1990s.
'Streets such as Jalan Bank, Jalan Bengkel, Jalan Central, High Street, Jalan Cross, Jalan Market and Jalan Chew Geok Lin played a pivotal role in the town's early economic development,' Wong said in a statement.
'In recent years, however, the emergence of modern shopping malls with improved facilities has led to a decline in footfall and vibrancy in these older areas.'
She said more streets should be included in future SMC revitalisation plans, with a focus on preserving heritage buildings and boosting foot traffic.
Preserving these areas by supporting traditional businesses and incorporating cultural elements, said Wong, could transform them into attractive destinations for foreign and local tourists.
'Sibu's old streets form an integral part of the town's cultural heritage and can be strengthened through restoration of its historic core, stakeholder engagement and careful planning.
'Preserving the original architecture while enhancing nostalgic charm, similar to what's being done in Melaka, can showcase Sibu's charm and Foochow culture.
'Through careful repair and maintenance, the old streets could be revitalised and contribute to developing a distinctive city identity,' she said.
Wong added that increased foot traffic from revitalisation efforts would naturally generate new business opportunities and reinvigorate the local economy.
She also proposed time-limited parking bays in front of shops, for example allowing vehicles to stop for a maximum of 30 minutes, to maximise use of limited parking spaces.
This would improve parking turnover, reduce congestion on narrow streets and make it easier for customers to access businesses in the area.