SIBU: Sibu is set to gain a striking new riverfront landmark with the construction of a decorative gateway and the expansion of the Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state government would work together with the temple committee to realise the project, with the government focusing on upgrading and beautifying the surrounding public areas while the temple undertakes its expansion.
He said the completed gateway and expanded temple complex would create a more attractive riverfront destination, enhancing Sibu’s identity as a tourism hub.
“Once the gateway is completed and the temple expansion is in place, this area will become another iconic landmark for Sibu. It will offer visitors a more appealing experience while adding value to the town’s tourism products,” he told reporters after witnessing the handover of two floating pontoons and a gangway from the Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) to the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) at the Eng Ann Teng Tua Peh Kong Temple waterfront here today (July 22).
Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus, deputy chairman Wong Ching Yong, councillor Paul Teo and temple committee chairman Soon Choon Hoo.
Dr Sim, who is also Public Heath, Housing and Local Government Minister, said the relocation of the pontoons and gangway was a crucial first step before construction could begin.
The floating structures, currently situated in front of the temple, will be moved to Durin where they will continue serving the local community.
“As long as these structures remain here, the expansion works cannot proceed. Once they are relocated, the temple can immediately begin its development,” he said, adding that the temple committee would fully bear the relocation costs.
He explained that although the proposed gateway will stand on government land under the jurisdiction of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), the council will oversee its construction before handing over maintenance responsibilities to the temple.
“This is the most practical arrangement because if the temple were to build it directly, it would involve government land and the approval process would be much more complicated,” he said.
Dr Sim said the development is also being planned in tandem with future waterfront enhancement initiatives aimed at transforming the riverfront into a more vibrant public and tourism space.
He envisaged the area becoming an arrival point for visitors travelling by river, with the temple playing a central role in coordinating tourism-related activities and cultural attractions.
“Visitors arriving by boat will be able to stop here, and together with future commercial and waterfront developments, the area will evolve into a more dynamic destination.
“The beautification and expansion plans are therefore closely integrated with Sibu’s long-term tourism and economic development strategy,” he said.
Beyond creating a new visual identity for the waterfront, Dr Sim said the project also highlights the important contribution of the temple committee in preserving heritage while driving community-based tourism development.
Earlier, Chieng said the floating pontoons and gangway had remained unused for some time and would now be repurposed for Durin.
He explained that because the facilities are located on government-owned land, the transfer had to be carried out through an official government-to-government process involving the SRB and the SRDC.
“With the assistance of our Deputy Premier, all the necessary approvals were obtained smoothly, allowing us to officially carry out today’s handover ceremony,” he said.
