Latest news with #IreneWong
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Call to include more streets in plan to revitalise Sibu town centre
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.
Barnama
20-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Mobile Rahmah Sale At Bawang Assan Community Hall Tomorrow
SIBU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Sibu will organise a mobile Rahmah Sale at the Bawang Assan Community Hall, here, tomorrow (Saturday, June 21). Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling Chai Yew, said the mobile sale will offer a variety of selected daily necessities at special prices to reduce the burden on the people's cost of living. 'The sale has received overwhelming response from the community as it directly benefits consumers by offering quality goods at lower prices,' she said in a statement today.
Borneo Post
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Opposition vital to democracy, says Irene Wong in response to SUPP criticism
Irene Wong SIBU (June 8): A strong and effective opposition is indispensable in any democratic system of government, said Irene Wong, special assistant to Sibu MP Oscar Ling. She emphasised that the opposition plays a vital role in monitoring the government, checking its power, proposing alternatives, and voicing the concerns of the people. 'It is precisely because of the opposition that the people's interests are not neglected and the government's power can be kept in check,' she added. Wong was referring to the recent statement from Sarawak United Peoples' Party's (SUPP) accusing the Democratic Action Party (DAP) of committing the so-called 'Four Major Sins,' for voicing out against the government. 'Monitoring the government and raising questions is not an act of sabotage, but a way to improve governance,' she said. She stressed that as the largest opposition party in Sarawak, DAP has the responsibility to scrutinise government policies and ensure that the distribution of public resources is fair and transparent. 'The opposition raises questions to ensure that the pursuit of autonomy is not merely rhetorical but delivers real benefits to the people.' She also referred to a recent issue raised in the Sarawak State Assembly regarding the Sarawak government's RM100 million travel expenses for which a clear explanation has yet to be provided. 'Who exactly is this money spent on, where did it go, what was it used for, and how many people were involved in the trips?' Wong asked. 'The people have a right to know the details of such a massive expenditure.' At the same time, basic infrastructure development in rural areas remains slow, she said, adding some areas even experienced low water pressure during festive periods, indicating an imbalance in resource allocation. 'If the government is clean and accountable, why fear public questions? If SUPP truly serves the people, it should welcome oversight rather than smear those who ask questions.' checks and balances dap Irene Wong lead opposition
Borneo Post
06-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
SCHB aid available at Sibu parliamentary mobile counter at Sg Sadit tomorrow (May 7)
Irene Wong SIBU (May 6): The Sibu Parliamentary Service Centre is opening a mobile service counter at Gathering Luck Restaurant in Sungai Sadit, West Bank here tomorrow (May 7), from 9am to 11.30am. According to Sibu MP Oscar Ling's special assistant Irene Wong, the initiative aims to assist the public in applying for the Sarawak Senior Health Benefits (SCHB) scheme. 'The mobile counter service aims to reach out and offer beneficial services to the public,' she said in a statement. Wong added that the outdoor service counters had consistently received positive responses from the public. To expedite the application process, she advised applicants to bring a photocopy of their MyKad. 'Please note that the SCBH is only open to Malaysian senior citizens aged 60 and above. 'The MyKad must carry the letter 'K' indicating Sarawak citizenship, and the applicant's a monthly household income must be less than RM7,000,' she listed out. Wong described the SCHB as a welfare programme exclusively for senior citizens. 'The beneficiaries will each receive RM500 annually for medical assistance at private clinics for treatment of common ailments such as cold, fever, headaches, diarrhoea, vomiting sprains and minor injuries. 'Cherish this opportunity and make good use of this government-provided healthcare assistance. 'Approved applicants can also use the benefit for dental services like filings, extractions and dentures,' she added. For enquiries, call the Sibu service centre on 084-322 001 or 017-833 1085. Irene Wong mobile service counter Sibu Parliamentary Service Centre
