Sibu Municipal Council mulls temporary permits for festive food trucks

SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is exploring the possibility of granting temporary permissions to individuals interested in operating food truck businesses during festive seasons.

Standing Committee for General Purposes and Community Services chairperson Cr Donna Petrus Ngelai revealed that currently, there are fewer than 10 licenced food trucks in Sibu, approved by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom.

Councillor Donna Petrus Ngelai

While the council is eager to encourage more young entrepreneurs in this sector, she stressed the need for traders to obtain approvals from relevant authorities.

“The council will approve their application to do business in any designated place in the town. However, their vehicle must be approved by JPJ and Puspakom as a food truck or ‘food trucker’,” she stated during a press briefing after the council’s full board meeting today (Nov 30).

Donna explained that for festival-related businesses, further discussions with JPJ are required to determine the duration, whether for 10 or 20 days.

She added that any vehicle approved on the road could engage in business during festive seasons such as the Chinese New Year Bazaar and the Borneo Cultural Festival.

“It doesn’t have to be a truck. They can use their car or a four-wheel drive vehicle by doing some creative decorations to attract customers.”

Donna believes that an increase in food trucks will not only tantalise taste buds but also enhance the festive atmosphere.

“The council identified this opportunity after a study tour during the recent Fireworks Festival in Pattaya, Thailand.

“Food trucks can capture people’s attention through their attractive design, lighting, and product advertising.

“Although we acknowledge that they may not meet JPJ specifications, discussions with JPJ will determine whether temporary businesses during festivals can be permitted.

“We aim to restrict these temporary food truck businesses to operate only during festivals and target young entrepreneurs,” Donna added.