SIBU: The Sarawakku Sayang programme for Sibu Division has provided local entrepreneurs with a valuable opportunity to showcase their products and food offerings.
From the very first day of the three-day event, their stalls received an encouraging response from the public.
Several participants interviewed by the Sarawak Tribune expressed hope that similar large-scale events would be organised more frequently, enabling local products to gain wider exposure and reach a broader market.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to showcase and sell my Chinese food, including dumplings, dim sum and buns. I usually sell my products online, so this is the first time I have set up a physical stall, especially at a major event like the Sarawakku Sayang (SKS) Programme.
“This programme is very beneficial for small businesses because it provides an excellent platform to promote our products. I hope my business will continue to grow from this opportunity,” said Liaanaubaidah Mohd Hanafi, 29.
“A major event like the SKS Programme attracts large crowds, making it an ideal platform for small business operators in Sibu to promote their businesses. We have received a steady flow of visitors to our stall.
“I hope events of this scale can be organised more often, perhaps three or four times a year. If we simply wait for customers to come to our shop, it is much harder to sell our products,” said Stanley William, 58.
“I give this programme the thumbs-up, even though it only runs for three days. Business has been brisk because the SKS Programme is a real crowd-puller,” said Nur Syamiella, 20.
“I feel fortunate to have been selected as a vendor. It has given me the opportunity to promote my handicraft products directly to customers. I usually sell them online, so taking part in this programme allows me to reach a different market and interact with customers face to face.
“Being able to see the products in person gives customers greater confidence, and I believe it will encourage more people to support our business.
“I hope to see even larger crowds over the next three days. Most of my customers only see my products online, so this is a great opportunity for them to view them firsthand.
“I would also like to thank everyone for their support. I hope programmes like this will continue to be organised in Sibu and other parts of Sarawak, as they provide valuable opportunities for small businesses like ours,” said Suzie Nyaling, 43.
“So far, since yesterday (Friday), business has exceeded our expectations. We have had to restock our ice cream several times because demand has been so high. From morning until night, there has been a continuous flow of visitors.
“The response has been far beyond what I expected. I honestly did not expect such a large crowd.
We have two outlets in Sibu. One is located at Lorong Wong King Huo, behind Kim Hock Supermarket while the other is a booth at Delta Mall.
We operate a Mixed Food Borneo concept. Although the business has been around since 2022, many people are still not familiar with us. We have been running the business for about four years, and there is still plenty of room for growth. Now that I am one of the vendors here, people now know us. This SKS programme certainly helps me to elevate my business to a new height.” Nurathma Najua, 24.
