Latest news with #SibuMunicipalCouncil
The Star
3 days ago
- 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.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
320 households in Rejang Park receive reimbursement for septic tank self-installation
(From sixth right, back row) Tiang and Ting take a group photo with recipients. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (July 20): A total of RM960,000 was disbursed to 320 households in Rejang Park here, with each receiving RM3,000 as reimbursement for the self-installation of septic tanks. State Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang presented the cheques to the recipients at the Rejang Park commercial centre here yesterday, and he thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving the reimbursement. 'This was my proposal, and he approved it. We are really thankful to our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' Tiang told reporters. In recounting the timeline leading up to today's event, the Pelawan assemblyman referred back to 2015 when he was approached by the public regarding the long-standing issues with septic tanks. He recalled that at the time, the residential homes in Rejang Park and the commercial district were linked by an underground central sewage system. He said the centralised system built in the 1970s had somehow begun to fall apart, impacting toilets of the affected house owners and leading to extremely poor hygiene conditions. 'Consequently, they reached out to me to see if I could help. We conducted surveys of houses, gathering data, taking photographs, and even collecting petitions from the residents. This information was then submitted to the then Chief Minister, (the late) Tok Nan (Pehin Sri Adenan Satem). 'In 2018, our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, visited Sibu for the general election. During his visit, I discussed this project with him, explaining that we needed RM3 million to address 345 houses and 32 commercial lots. He agreed, recognizing the urgency of the situation, and said this was something we had to do immediately,' he said. Tiang said that however, the onset of Covid-19 pandemic affected the progress of the project. He appreciated the efforts of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in assisting with the project. 'We completed the project. But then, still many of the residents came to me and asked for assistance. I said, okay, let me try after I get elected, so that I have more right to ask for this from you. 'In 2021, I achieved that goal and was elected. Since then, I have remained committed to this mission. But it took me three years to find the right way to do this, to find this reimbursement subsidy. 'Last year, I once again reached out to our Premier. Thankfully, our Premier was gracious enough to approve it once more. This allowed me to provide a subsidy of RM3,000 to each (of the 320) household (in Rejang Park). 'This morning, we managed to cover 320 homes. After a decade-long journey, I can say with gratitude that this chapter is now complete. Mission accomplished, and all thanks to our Premier.' Tiang added: 'He (Abang Johari) genuinely cares about the issues people face, even at this level. I'm thrilled about this transformative project that has significantly improved the residents' quality of life here. 'It has established a very clean and supportive commercial setting for all the businesspeople in this area. I'm truly delighted,' he said. Also present was SMC Market and Petty Traders standing committee chairwoman Jenny Ting. lead Michael Tiang reimbursement Rejang Park septic tank
The Star
17-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sibu park taking shape after 20-year wait
Tiang (fourth from right) and Lau (fourth from left) during the visit to the Jalan Apollo community park. THE first phase of upgrading works at the long-awaited community park on Jalan Apollo in Sarawak's Pelawan constituency, Sibu, has been completed. Construction began in November 2024 and was completed last March, with funding from the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP). Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, visited the park. He was accompanied by his service team and officials from Sibu Municipal Council. Deshon West development and security committee chairman Lau Sei Kwong said the land in the neighbourhood had remained idle for over two decades despite residents' calls for a public park. 'It was only after Tiang took office and engaged with the community that plans moved forward, with RTP funds allocated to turn the vacant space into a recreational facility,' said Lau. The first phase included installing a new drainage system, turfing, stone benches and solar-powered streetlights. The next phase will see the addition of cement walkways and basic fitness equipment. A pickleball court is also being considered, subject to available funding, Lau said. 'This park will be more than just a playground for children. 'It will be a place for families to gather, for residents to relax, exercise and build a stronger community.' he said. He added that the development of community parks was among Tiang's key election pledges and several such projects had already been completed across the Pelawan constituency.
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
RM900,000 road upgrade begins to ease Sibu traffic bottleneck
Tiang (second right), accompanied by other officials, inspects the ongoing road improvement project at the intersection. SIBU (July 17): A road improvement project aimed at easing traffic congestion at the Jalan Wong Soon Kai-Jalan Ling Kai Cheng-Jalan Deshon traffic light intersection has commenced this month, said State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang. The RM900,000 project, implemented by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), is expected to be completed within four months. 'The project involves constructing an extra 400-metre right-turn lane from Jalan Wong Soon Kai into Jalan Deshon. 'Traffic in this area is particularly heavy during peak hours when people commute to and from work,' Tiang said during a site inspection yesterday. 'We observed long queues in front of the traffic lights, so SMC proposed expanding the road by constructing a right-turn lane to Jalan Deshon. 'This addition is expected to significantly ease traffic movement along Jalan Ling Kai Cheng and Jalan Deshon.' Tiang, who was accompanied by SMC chairman Clarence Ting, expressed confidence that the project could be completed ahead of schedule, given its current progress. He also called on the Public Works Department (JKR) to implement a complementary improvement by constructing an extra right-turn lane from Jalan Deshon into Jalan Ling Kai Cheng. 'This will complement the existing project and help further resolve the bottleneck problem at the intersection,' he added. lead Michael Tiang road upgrade Sibu traffic bottleneck
The Sun
13-07-2025
- The Sun
Sibu sets Malaysia record with 18.3m Melanau swing at cultural fest
SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has secured a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) with its towering 18.3-metre Melanau swing, known as the itut. Built as the centrepiece of this year's Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF), the swing became a major attraction, drawing 2,288 visitors, surpassing the initial target of 2,000. The swing was constructed by members of the Persatuan Kebajikan Melanau Kampung Nangka at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1. Favorable weather throughout the 10-day festival, which ran from July 3, contributed to the high turnout. During the closing ceremony of the 21st BCF, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh received the MBOR certificate from Edwin Yeoh, a representative of the record-keeping body. The event was officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Dr Sim praised the festival for successfully highlighting Borneo's cultural diversity through performances, exhibitions, and community activities. 'Over the past 10 days, the public has had the opportunity to witness the creativity and traditions of diverse communities, which also helped strengthen unity and reinforce the Bornean identity,' he said in a speech read by State Deputy Minister Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee. He commended organisers, government agencies, and participants for ensuring the festival's smooth execution. Dr Sim emphasised that such events go beyond entertainment, playing a vital role in fostering social cohesion, boosting tourism, and enhancing community well-being. The festival featured over 30 ethnic groups, with activities ranging from musical performances to traditional food bazaars. Dr Sim expressed hope that the unity and cultural appreciation displayed during BCF 2025 would continue to flourish. - Bernama
