SIBU: Bandong Walk is set to become another tourism attraction of this town.
The idea for an all-day bazaar was first mentioned during the Nangka Bumiputera Economic Convention (NBEC) here in February 2012.
The project was completed recently and had its official opening performed by Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee recently.
“We are working towards that direction,” he told reporters when asked if there were plans to transform the place into a tourism spot.
“At the moment, it caters to locals but upon its expansion next time, tourists would certainly be drawn to come here.”
Dr Annuar said the opening of Bandong Walk marked a new chapter for local traders as their dream to have a place
conducive to business had been realised.
According to him, there are 23 stalls selling a wide variety of food, drinks and merchandise.
However, he disclosed that some 50 traders wanted the lots there but could not due to limited space.
On this, he said there would be 15 more stalls under Phase 2.
“I will request for funds to implement Phase 2,” he said.
On another matter, Dr Annuar said the Sibu Bandong Community Development Association had requested Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) to close the road there once a month, for the convenience of traders and visitors.
He also pointed out the association might ask the council to partially close the road every weekend, if the response was good.
He also said as far as entertainment programmes like the ones held on Saturday went, they would be up for consideration.
“Perhaps, if the response is good, we could do them (entertainment programmes) once a month.”
At present, the traders at Bandong Walk are only required to foot the electricity and water bills, apart from maintaining the cleanliness there.
After the launch, Dr Annuar was accompanied by Sarawak United National Youths Organisation (Saberkas) Nangka Branch secretary Mohamad Safree Mohamad and Sibu Bandong Community Development Association chairman Abang Morni Datuk Abang Zainuddin for a visit to the stalls.
The opening night, jointly organised by Saberkas Nangka and Sibu Bandong Community Development Association, featured various entertainment programmes such as a karaoke singing competition, ‘bermukun’ which is a lively session comprising singing and dancing accompanied by traditional Malay drums ‘gendang’ and fiddles, as well as the ‘Wayang Pacak’ (old-school outdoor screen-and-projector shows).
Dr Annuar joined local youths watching a live football match telecast that night.
Meanwhile, Osman Ariffin and Raden Mas were crowned winners of the duet karaoke singing competition, both walking away with RM500 and trophies.
Sulaiman Ibrahim and Maimunah Yusuf took second place and bagged RM300, while Mohamad Akim and Latipah Putit placed third and pocketed RM200.
The event ended with a spectacular firework display at the stroke of midnight.-Borneo Post
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