SIBU: This town has been urged to prepare to welcome visitors from home and abroad in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026), by strengthening the tourism, culture and sustainability sectors as the core of its development.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee said VMY2026 is a golden opportunity for Sibu to introduce its identity and uniqueness to the world.
“Sibu must be ready to welcome the world. From the iconic Central Market to the rich cultural heritage, we have many attractions that can captivate visitors,” he said at the Chinese New Year (CNY) Celebration 2026 organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) at a prominent hotel here on Saturday.
Tiang was representing Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government.
Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, stressed that the recognition received by Sibu previously proved that it was on the right track to emerge as a destination of choice.
Among them, he stated, were the success in winning the title of ASEAN Clean Tourism City as well as recognition as a Sustainable City under national indicators.
He added that the achievement was not just symbolic, but rather reflected the ongoing commitment of the SMC, community and government in ensuring that Sibu remains clean, green and liveable.
“When we work together, involving the council, community and government, we can achieve great success. This is the spirit we need to bring to 2026,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that cultural aspects were also emphasised as one of Sibu’s main strengths.
Organising events such as the Borneo Cultural Festival, he stressed, was seen as a platform to promote ethnic diversity and unique traditions that are the identity of the city.
“In addition, efforts towards digitalisation through the implementation of a smart parking system and the Smart City Early Adopter initiative are believed to improve the visitor experience and strengthen the efficiency of city services,” he explained.
He also said that SMC’s commitment to continue improving the quality of public services by focusing on cleanliness, maintenance of public facilities and community wellbeing.
“We not only want to attract tourists, but also ensure that they return with wonderful experiences and fond memories of Sibu,” he added.
Among those present were Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Alice Lau, two Political Secretaries to Premier, Joshua Ting and William Anut, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan, SMC Chairman Clarence Ting, SMC Secretary Henry Jalin Watt and the organising chairman councillor Rory Wong.
