Esplanade in Sibu to be turned into park for youths

A worker cleaning the esplanade in Sibu.

Once a popular place for recreation, Sibu’s Rajang Esplanade has become a white elephant.

Built in 1988, the esplanade faces the mighty Sungai Rajang, the longest river in the country.

A lack of recreational facilities is one of the reasons the esplanade saw an eventual decline in popularity some 20 years ago.

Another reason is there are now more than 10 community parks and several shopping centres in the area.

However, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek wants to rejuvenate the space and turn it into a park for youths.

He said doing so would pave the way for more youth-related activities and draw visitors to the area in Sarawak.

“During my teenage years, I used to go to the esplanade.

“Unfortunately, in the past 10 years, the Rajang Esplanade has been underutilised.

“As a local representative, it is my duty to revive the esplanade so that more people will use it,” he said.

As a start, Chieng’s service centre will organise a platform for youths to showcase their talents at the esplanade on May 27 and 28.

He said “The Stage” would allow youths to gain experience working with a professional creative media agency.

“This is a long-term project, where we will set up an ecosystem, explore possible collaborations and gather talents,” he added.

Chieng expects more than 1,000 youths to participate in the event.

“We would like to attract talents from neighbouring towns such as Sarikei, Bintulu and Mukah.

“We hope they can come and enjoy this event,” he added.

The programme is supported by Sibu Municipal Council, Bukit Assek Service Centre and Sarawak Tourism Board.