SIBU: The upgrading works to transform the Hock Ming Ferry Terminal at Kampung Hilir here, from a wooden structure into a concrete one have been completed and officially started operation today (Aug 20).
Announcing this, Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling Chai Yew, said the upgrading project was completed ahead of schedule —initially estimated to take three months, but has been completed one month earlier.
“Yesterday morning, the project contractor, together with engineers from Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sibu Division and the responsible unit from the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, confirmed that the terminal is ready for use after the final inspection by engineers. “The confirmation was witnessed by Ling’s special assistants, Wong Pak Kee and Irene Wong,” he stated.
Ling explained that the upgrading project was funded through the Madani Government’s Program Mesra Rakyat, benefiting residents of Sibu and the West Bank who rely on the ferry terminal for daily travel.
As the Hock Ming Ferry Terminal is located within the wooden houses of Kampung Hilir, he stressed that the transformation from a wooden jetty to a concrete one not only reduces the noise caused by ferries docking and motorcycles passing over wooden planks but also cuts down on recurring repair and maintenance costs.
He expressed his delight that the upgrading project was completed earlier than expected and thanked the relevant authorities and contractors for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring its timely completion.
Ling also highlighted that the Hock Ming Ferry Terminal is one of the key terminals connecting the West Bank with thousands of daily users.
“The upgrading works not only provide a safer and more durable terminal but also resolve the long-standing noise issues faced by nearby residents caused by motorcycles riding over the wooden planks,” he added.
