SIBU, Dec 19: The opening of the Sibu-Singapore flight route can be leveraged to give a big boost in visitor numbers at the central market here.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng is confident that business at the central market will pick up following a slump of about 90 per cent this year.
He said the largest central market in the country which houses over 1,000 traders, has the potential to attract visitors due to the many unique local produce sold there.
However he felt that the market needs to be promoted to lure in visitors.
“We also hope that the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) can help promote Sibu Central Market to foreign tourists,” he said after handing over three Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation cheques to three Central Market hawker associations.
The recipients are Sibu Division Hawkers Welfare Association, Sibu Petty Traders Association and Sibu Division Hawkers Association.
Chieng added that the central market should be included in tourism packages to become a must-visit destination.
“We can make this (Sibu Central Market) an attraction for tourists by Statos,” he stressed.
In addition to international flights, he described Sibu as the gateway to the central region which also connects towns in the region due to the good road network.
Chieng pointed out that during the Covid-19 pandemic, many hawkers at the central market experienced a decline in business and reduced income.
“Fortunately, the government under Premier (Datuk Patinggi) Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has channeled aid to the hawkers,” he said.
Touching on the MRP allocations, he expressed hope they will be used by the associations for their benefit and common good.
“It is hoped that these allocations can be used for their activities in addition to giving incentives to members’ children who got excellent results in public examinations.
“In addition, it can also be used to help the welfare of members,” he added. — DayakDaily
