Proposal for SMC to commission floating stage project at Permai Lake Garden to boost tourism, culture
SIBU (Feb 22): A proposal has been made to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to come up with a floating stage at the Permai Lake Garden. In suggesting this, Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil hails the lake as being ‘God-given’.
“Since it is already there, SMC should try to make full use of it.
“The place can be a venue to host any function. If you have a stage in the middle of the lake, maybe SMC’s chairman could also invite singers from Peninsular Malaysia to come to perform.
“At the same time, the place can also be promoted as a tourist destination, particularly highlighting Iban culture,” said the Marudi assemblyman at the opening of the Permai Lake Garden Food Court here today.
Penguang also said many people might not realise the significance of this lake.
“It is not only about scenery or as a place for fishing, as it also functions as a retention pond, beneficial when there’s heavy rain.”
Back on the proposed floating stage, Penguang said it would not only showcase the local food, culture and traditions, but also the handicrafts of the Dayak community.
“I talked to SMC’s chairman (Clarence Ting) and was told that SMC had the money to come up with the proposal. Hopefully, the next time when I come around, the stage will be ready,” he added.
According to Penguang, SMC obtains not less than RM70 million annually in terms of revenue, while Miri City Council (MCC) gets RM90 million annually, while both Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) receive more than RM100,000 million annually.
“RM70 million is not a little amount, and since the SMC chairman said the council had the money, I came up with the proposal.”
On Permai Lake Garden Food Court, Penguang said he was told that it was the first of its kind in Sarawak, with its realisation resulting from the engagements and discussions.
“In the name of inclusivity, it makes sure that nobody is left out.
“I hope this model will be duplicated by the other big councils in Sarawak so that every time tourists come or any individuals who are interested in the different cuisines or flavours, then Sibu will be the place.”
Moreover, Penguang said SMC should look further ahead to make Sibu as a haven of food lovers.
“In Sibu District, the population is about 217,000 and about 70,000 in Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) area or Sibu Jaya, of which 25 per cent comprised the Iban community.
“For Sibu town, the Iban population is about 40,000. Thus, it is opportune to have such a good place to showcase our food, customs and traditions.”
Penguang also said Permai had undergone tremendous development, when compared to the last time he visited it in 2014.
“SMC should be commended for bringing chances to the place and all of us should be grateful to SMC for their sense of inclusivity in turning this into an Iban/Dayak food court,” said the state deputy minister.
-Agency
