SIBU, Jan 9: The construction of the Sibu Heroes’ Monument at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 is expected to be completed by Jan 20.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the monument, which is the brainchild of Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and Nangka assemblyman Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, is poised to become another landmark for Sibu once it is completed.
Construction of the 30-metre-tall heroes’ monument at the Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 here is on schedule and is expected to be completed by January 20 this year.
“The monument will commemorate the freedom fighters from Sibu who fought vigilantly for Sarawak’s independence from the British administration, some of whom are Rosli Dhobi, Morshidi Sidek, Awang Ramli Amit Mohd Deli, and Bujang Suntong,” he said when met during the installation of about 400kg aluminium dome on top of the monument here yesterday (Jan 8).
The Sibu Heroes’ Monument stands about 30 metres tall or ten stories high.
The project, costing about RM777,736, is funded under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) for the Nangka constituency.
The monument’s design was made by Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), while the SMC acts as the implementing agency.
The site was handed over on June 23, 2023, and works started shortly after.
Izkandar further said a balance of RM1 million in the RTP funding would be used for additional works, including the installation of tiles as well as lighting to brighten the monument area.
“This additional work is expected to be completed before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. The additional work is also an aesthetic part to beautify the area next to the monument,” he explained.
On Dec 4, 1949, the Second British Colony Governor in Sarawak, Sir Duncan George Stewart, was killed by members of Rukun 13, which comprised Rosli Dhoby, Awang Ramli Amit Awang Matsaruddin, Morshidi Sidek, and Bujang Suntong in Sibu.
The incident happened not far from the site of the monument project, with the design of this monument meant to remember the history of freedom fighters that brought a profound impact on the families involved in this bloody tragedy.
The monument will also display Rosli Dhoby’s last piece of writing for visitors to view. — DayakDaily
