By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Nov 14: Sibu ‘Fun Map’ to be launch in 2025 to boost tourism industry in the district, says Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew.
Ting, who is Deputy Minister of Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak, said the Sarawak government through Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) will also showcase a six-episode video series highlighting Sarawak food, including Sibu’s unique gastronomy, that will be released in 2025.
He said among others, STB will be actively promote Sibu as a must-visit destination on its social media platforms under Sarawak Travel.
“Additionally, Sibu is also recognised for its distinctive largest indoor Central Market in Sarawak, housing over a thousand stalls.
“The market features a vast range of local produce, from tropical fruits and vegetables, making it an essential stop for tourists seeking to experience Sibu’s everyday culture, unique local delicacies, street food and even handicrafts,” he added.
He was replying to questions from Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek regarding future planning and projects to promote Sibu as a tourism centre for local and foreign tourists during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
Ting also said MTCP will enhance the organisation of existing programmes such as Sarawak Invitational Masters Badminton Championship 2024 (2nd edition), An Evening with Sibu Rhythmic Ethnic Orchestra (1st Edition), Pertandingan Kaligrafi Cina Daerah Sibu, Kanowit and Selangau Festival 2024, and others.
According to him, the events can be elevated to attract international and domestic visitors as Sibu’s connectivity is enhanced through the introduction of more flights and improvement of road connectivity.
Currently, he said, Scoot Airlines operates the Sibu-Singapore flight sector three times a week, while AirAsia’s existing Kuala Lumpur to Sibu route operates 31 times a week and its Sibu–Johor Bahru and Sibu-Kota Kinabalu routes both operate seven (7) times a week.
“Malaysia Airlines also schedules flights eight times a week from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu, while Batik Air operates seven weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Sibu.
“With the completion of the Sibu-Kapit Road also, it has made Sibu the gateway to Kanowit, Song and Kapit through the Durin Bridge direction thus increasing domestic visitors into Sibu especially during festivities and events,” he said. — DayakDaily
