Bandong to be largest food court in Sibu

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(From eighth right) Dr Annuar, Abdul Taib, Abang Morni, Awang Yusup (seventh right), Jimmy (sixth right), Toh (fifth right), Rabek (fourth right), Ibrahim (right) and others pose with Sri Rejang Cycling Club members at Bandong Walk.

Dr Annuar (fourth right) presents a prize to a winner of the ‘Spell it right’ competition, while Abang Morni (second left), Awang Yusup (third right), Jimmy (second right) and others look on.

SIBU: The major facelift to the Bandong food court is expected to be completed by this year-end.

Upon its completion, it will be the largest food court here.

However, Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee hopes to see the food court not just become the largest in town, but the cleanest and most beautiful – a key factor to attract visitors, including tourists.

He said the renovation to the food court located at the shop lots besides Nangka Service Centre is the third phase of Bandong Walk development project.

“In actual fact, this (Bandong) area has undergone much development over the past four to five years, especially (with the) first and second phases (of Bandong Walk). Now, we are undergoing the third phase with the largest allocation of nearly RM2 million. Expected to be completed at the end of this year, the Bandong food court will be biggest food court in Sibu.

“The food court has 12 stalls and we also suggested that each of these food stalls have Halal certification from Jakim (Malaysian Islamic Development Department) so that visitors do not hesitate to come here. We will ensure that cleanliness tops the list of priorities for all stall operators,” Dr Annuar, who is also Assistant Minister of Education and Technological Research, told reporters.

The Nangka assemblyman was met after officiating at Bandong Walk Mini Carnival 2017 here on Saturday night.

The one-day Bandong Walk Mini Carnival 2017 was organised by Sibu Bandong Community Development Association (PPKB Sibu).

For the record, Bandong Walk project is divided into phases one, two and three. Phases one and two involved construction of a covered pedestrian path for hawkers.

There are 23 stalls currently operating at phase one of Bandong Walk, while the newly completed second phase has 11 stalls.

Asked to reveal his plan to promote Bandong Walk area as a tourism spot, Dr Annuar said: “This is one of the efforts to promote tourism but we have another 11 stalls (Bandong Walk phase two) here, I would like them to promote items which can attract more tourists to come not only for food but also souvenirs.

“We can see in Sibu a lot of places that do not attract visitors. We have so many ethnic groups. I have encouraged not only the Malays but even the Melanaus and Ibans to trade in Bandong area.”

Touching on the carnival, he said it was organised by PPKB Sibu for the first time to encourage the public to come to Bandong Walk and patronise the stalls.

The highlights were Pocket Talent Show and Children Fashion Show competitions.

Another attraction was the ‘Spell it right’ competition to encourage the use of English Language.

Earlier, Sri Rejang Cycling Club chairman Abdul Taib presented an appointment letter to Dr Annuar to be their patron.

Organising chairman Abang Morni Dato Sri Abang Zainuddin, who is also PPKB Sibu chairman; councillors Jimmy De Rozario; Rabek Ali Hamid and Ibrahim Laili; Sibu district officer Awang Yusup Awang Mostapha and Kapitan Toh Jack Kuong were present.

Abdul Taib (left) presents a T-shirt to Dr Annuar, while others look on.

A group of traditional dancers takes part in the Pocket Talent Show.

The big crowd turning up for the Bandong Walk Mini Carnival 2017.