Yiing (right) and other councillors check the facilities at the Sibu Gateway public toilet. SIBU (Aug 19): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has carried out inspections on several public toilets under its jurisdiction in its effort to upgrade and repair such facilities. SMC Public Health, Environment and Municipality Services Standing Committee vice chairman Cr Yiing Sy Huat said a total of eight out of the 17 public toilets under the council’s jurisdiction were inspected Thursday. “We will work to repair the damaged facilities at the public toilets so that visitors can use them comfortably,” he said. In this regard, Yiing called on the public to work together with SMC to ensure the toilets are well-maintained and kept clean at all times. The public toilets inspected Thursday were located at Sibu Gateway, SEDC Hawker Centre, Rajang Esplanade, Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, Sibu Heritage Centre, Skateboard Park at Sibu Town Square Phase 3; Law King Howe Memorial Museum at Sibu Town Square Phase 2; and Jalan Bujang Suntong. Accompanying Yiing during the inspections were councillors Wee Kim Choon, Yii Souk Ming and Norizan Sanyut.

Wee (standing, left) and others in a photo-call for the ‘Go Green Warriors’ programme. SIBU (Aug 19): The Sibu Municipal Council’s (SMC) ‘Go Green Warriors’ programme will be held at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here on Sept 9 and 10, 2023. The organising secretary, Wee Jia Jing, said the programme was one of the initiatives under SMC’s ‘Love Earth Day’ series. “The main purpose is to promote green awareness and practices across different age groups through various activities, under this community project,” she told a press conference. The other programmes include the ‘Go Green Campaign’, ‘Go Green Families’, ‘Go Green Fun’ and ‘Go Green Market’. “They are aimed at helping people develop a solid understanding of environmental conservation and create a greener Sibu,” Wee said. The ‘Go Green Warriors’ is jointly organised with Junior Chamber International (JCI) seduan, JCI Sibujaya and UTS. Those wishing to participate can contact organising chairman Elden Lau at 016-870 0822 or event coordinator Simon Hii at 016-206 7287.

Ling (seated centre) with Ting on his left speaking on matters related to dogs in Sibu. THE Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has made it mandatory for pet shop owners to apply for a licence if they have dogs in their premises. “All pet shops keeping dogs in their business premises have to apply for a licence under the Local Authorities (Licensing and Control of Dogs) By-law. “Failure to do so is an offence which carries a fine of not more than RM10,000,” said SMC chief public environmental health officer Ting Tin Teck at a press conference. Ting added that the pet shop premises must be on a commercial lot with an occupancy permit (OP). Prohibited dog breeds are not allowed while restricted breeds require written approval from the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department. “In addition, the maximum number of dogs allowed on the premises is 20, and inventory and records of dog movements must be kept and updated,” Ting said. “Pet shop owners must ensure that their premises are clean, and cause no disturbance to adjacent property owners, other businesses operating there or residents living in the area.” Separately, he said dog owners were required to submit proof of anti-rabies vaccination for their pets under rabies prevention guidelines before a dog licence could be issued. “All dog owners are reminded to apply for a dog licence and ensure their dogs are within private areas and kept clean and healthy at all times in accordance with current laws,” he said. Ting added that application forms could be obtained from the urban transformation centre (UTC) or at the SMC Office, 20th Floor, Wisma Sanyan, or from its website at www.smc.gov.my. On a separate issue, an average of 14 cases of dog bites per week were reported for the first seven months of this year in Sibu. “From January to July, a total of 395 dog bite cases were reported in the Sibu Municipal Council area,” said SMC Public Environment Health and City Services Standing Committee chairman Richard Ling. “The Dog Catching Unit will patrol according to a planned schedule based on public feedback and any dog found roaming, whether licensed or not, will be caught and not returned to its owner,” he warned.

SIBU: The city is the latest in Sarawak to sign up for Unicef's Child Friendly Cities initiative, following Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North and Padawan. “Through this journey, Sibu will transform into a city where every child enjoys every right, and no one is left behind," Unicef Malaysia Social Policy chief Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon said at the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Sibu Municipal Council here on Monday (Aug 14). According to the 2020 Census, 20.9% of Sibu’s population are children below the age of 14. As a child-friendly city, Sibu would improve children’s lives by having safer neighbourhoods, efficient school and health systems, and enhanced infrastructure for the community. Council chairman Clarence Ting said in creating a child-friendly city, it would focus on various aspects including urban planning, infrastructure and community engagement. “We want to build a Sibu where children have a good start in life, grow up feeling safe and cared for, and have opportunities to express their opinions and influence decisions on issues that affect them. "As a city, we are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order. This initiative will ensure we rebuild well," he added. State Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang said the initiative is not just an idealistic vision but a practical necessity. "By fostering environments that put children's needs at the forefront, we are not only shaping the future of our cities but also the future of our society. "Let us work together to build a Sibu that is truly worthy of our children's dreams. "Let us envision Sibu (as a place) where every child has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of background or circumstances," he added.

Ting and Escallon show the signed documents. From second left are Lau and Tiang. — Photo by Conny Banji SIBU (Aug 14): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under the Unicef Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). Chairman Clarence Ting signed on behalf of SMC, while Unicef Malaysia Social Policy chief Dr Juanita Vasquez Escallon was the other signatory. Ting said by embarking on this journey, SMC seeks to ensure children have a good start in life and grow up feeling safe as well as cared for. “Children will also have opportunities to express their opinions and influence decisions on issues that affect them. “As a city, we are still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order. This initiative will ensure we build back better,” he said. Escallon said the MoU marks the start of building a child-friendly city in Sibu. She said a child-friendly city can improve children’s lives by having safer neighbourhoods, efficient school and health systems, and enhanced infrastructure for the community. “The CFCI will complement the Smart City Proof of Concept, the Age Friendly City and Community Initiative, and Sustainable Development Goals initiatives already undertaken by the council. “Through this journey to become a Child Friendly City, Sibu will transform into a city where every child enjoys every right, and no one is left behind. “It is our sincere hope that this initiative will play a catalytic role in Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030,” she said and added that according to the 2020 Census, 20.9 per cent of Sibu’s population are children aged 0 to 14 years. Sibu is the fifth in Sarawak to enter into an agreement with Unicef on CFCI after Miri, Kuching South, Kuching North, and Padawan. CFCI is endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development; and Economic Planning Unit Sarawak. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II Michael Tiang witnessed the ceremony, while Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Alice Lau was also present.

Datuk Sebastian Ting SIBU (Aug 12): There has yet to be any discussion to consider turning the Sibu Street Parade into one of Sarawak’s calendar of events, said Datuk Sebastian Ting. Deputy Minister I for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts however pointed out that there will be a review and brainstorming session on the best way forward after the Sarawak 60 Years of Independence celebration here later on. “At the moment, this has not been discussed. “After the whole year celebration – Sarawak 60 Years of Independence’ celebration – I think there will be a review; there will be brainstorming and then, we see what will be the best for us to move forward,” he said when met after the full rehearsal for Sibu Street Parade this evening. He was asked if his ministry had planned to consider making the street parade into one of state’s calendar of events. On the parade’s full rehearsal this evening, he was pleased to note all the 60 contingents turned up despite the rain. “There was drizzling but the spirit was wonderful. Thank you so much to all the contingents. “We pray for good weather tomorrow (for the actual parade).” Ting also urged Sibu folk to come out in droves for the parade held in connection with Sarawak 60 Years of Independence celebration. Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, will represent Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to flag off the parade tomorrow evening. The event is jointly organised by Sibu Municipal Council and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). SMC deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley, who is also parade organising chairman, was also present at the rehearsal.

A school band passes the grand stand during the Sibu Street Parade rehearsal tonight. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (Aug 10): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said he hopes that everything will go well during Sibu Street Parade on Aug 12, and any shortcomings would be dealt with during the full rehearsal tomorrow. The parade’s organising chairman observed that there were some areas that needed to be improved based on tonight’s dry run rehearsal. “Tonight, we did our first dry run, and based on observation of the police, I did comment to them on the traffic flowing from (Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang) phase 2 area. “According to the police, they just want to see the weaknesses and they will fully close (that area) by tomorrow so that no more traffic will be flowing from that side. The traffic will instead be diverted straight towards Jalan Pulau.   A martial art demonstration during the Sibu Street Parade rehearsal tonight. – Photo by Peter Boon “In terms of the contingents, I think most contingents are not here because most are students. We have expected this. “We will expect them to be fully available by tomorrow because it is a Friday, I think they should be able to turn up,” he told reporters when met tonight at the dry run rehearsal. Izkandar added that he could not inspect the sound system as it is being set up, while the lighting is yet to be installed. Nonetheless, he hopes these facilities will be up and running by noon tomorrow. “I am not really satisfied (of the preparation tonight) because I expected the army to be early, but their major has assured me that they will come earlier (tomorrow). “I will also tell him that it is not necessary for the contingents to come too early as the flag off (on the actual day on Aug 12) is at 7pm. “Make sure, they are here by 6pm, not by 4.30pm or 5pm,” he said.   Sibu Martial Art (Quan Shu) Association joins the Sibu Street Parade rehearsal tonight. – Photo by Peter Boon Izkandar said for tomorrow’s full rehearsal, several roads around the Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang area will be closed from 6pm until later that night, and for the actual parade on Aug 12, the roads will be closed starting at 5.30pm until later in the night. The Sibu Street Parade is held in celebration of Sarawak’s 60th anniversary of independence. The 2km parade route starts at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 2 and ends at the Chuang Corridor of Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang Phase 1, involving some 2,000 people representing 60 contingents.   Izkandar briefing one of the contingents taking part in Sibu Street Parade rehearsal tonight. – Photo by Peter Boon With the theme ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’ (Progressive, Prosperous Sarawak), the event is jointly organised by SMC and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). Guest-of-honour Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to be present, accompanied by Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also the minister-in-charge of this event.   One of the stage performances during the Sibu Street Parade rehearsal tonight. – Photo by Peter Boon

(From left) Tiang, Clarence, Dr Sim, Izkandar and Sebastian at the opening of BCF. Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has been commended for setting an example by using technology to make Sibu a better place for its residents. Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said, “What SMC did was use mechanisms as much as possible and artificial intelligence and DIY (do-it-yourself). “These are so important for us because of ageing population as well as decreasing birth rate.” He was speaking at the opening of Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) 2023. Dr Sim is also Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister. Earlier, SMC chairman Clarence Ting said the local council would make full use of technology to deliver better services to the people. “SMC recently introduced a street sweeping vehicle to sweep all the streets in downtown Sibu. “If the results are positive, we will use this type of vehicle to sweep all the major roads,” he added. Ting said that since he became SMC chairman in September 2019, he had emphasised the need for a clean and healthy environment in Sibu. Among those present at BCF were Sarawak Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting, Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang and BCF organising chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley.

The crowd enjoying the Borneo Cultural Festival held at Dataran Tuanku Bujang, Sibu in Sarawak. This year’s Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF 2023) was the cleanest and most visited edition so far, said Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting. “This BCF is the cleanest that we have ever had,” he said during the SMC full board meeting. Ting added that two visiting academics from Namibia and Germany, who were in town to look into preparations for the Participatory Design Conference (PDC) 2024 which Sibu will be hosting, attested to the town square’s cleanliness. The conference is a biennial event that attracts around 250 delegates from up to 30 countries. It examines the role of people in the development of products and new technologies. “We all worked as one for BCF,” said Ting. “The United Chinese Association organised a lot of events and so did the Malay-Melanau and Dayak groups,” he said. He singled out the Dayak group that attracted over 10,000 people to the Kumang beauty pageant at BCF. He said it featured participants from outside Sibu, with many who came to support their chosen contestants. “This is a good sign. With Sibu located in the central region of Sarawak, we have to take full advantage by including participants from other places in the region,” he said. Ting added that BCF 2024 would take place in mid-August after PDC.

Izkandar conducts inspection on the site at the football field, next to Sibu Prison. — Photo from Facebook/Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley SIBU (Aug 2): Members of the public making use of the football field beside the prison here have been called out for failing to keep the place clean. Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) deputy chairman Mohammed Abdullah Izkandar Roseley said the area surrounding the field had become an eyesore due to indiscriminate littering by those using the facility. “I hope that those who use the football field from now on will be more sensitive and responsible in maintaining the cleanliness of the area for the comfort of the other parties. “This attitude of littering all over the place needs to be changed and we must educate the younger generation to foster an attitude of maintaining cleanliness wherever we are,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday. In view of this, he said SMC would take action against those who failed to maintain cleanliness at any rental site under the council. Izkandar also said works to repair the perimeter fence at the football field had already been carried out by the council. “The next step is to repair the drainage, and also replant grass in sections of the field where there are none,” he said.