Locals enjoying the food at the newly upgraded Taman Selera Muhibbah food court on its first day of opening.

A CROWD of hungry diners thronged the newly upgraded Taman Selera Muhibbah food court in Sibu, Sarawak, on its first day of operation.

After a year of refurbishment work, the food court located in Jalan Pedada finally reopened on March 2.

The 20-year-old dining place known for its delicious local fare is now cleaner and more appealing.

It now has facilities for people with disabilities, such as dedicated parking bays, besides a babycare room for mothers and their infants.

Customers will also soon be able to enjoy free WiFi coverage, courtesy of the Sibu Municipal Council.

Councillor Albert Tiang said the WiFi service would be available in April.

“The food court’s grand opening is scheduled for March 17.

“It will be launched by Sarawak Deputy Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Michael Tiang,” said Albert, who is Sibu Municipal Council’s market and petty traders standing committee chairman.

Albert said a key difference was that the market would now operate on self-service system where customers would have to place their orders, collect the food and drinks, and return the trays after finishing their meals.

“The food court has 50 stalls comprising 17 drinks and 33 food stalls,” he said.

“Its refurbished design includes a centralised wastewater management system.

“It was also designed to have zero obstruction to allow more elderly and disabled customers to visit the dining spot,” he added.