SMC to revitalise Permai Lake Gardens with new Dayak food court

SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is revitalising Permai Lake Gardens food court by transforming it into a Dayak food court at a cost of RM700,000.

SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh said Permai Lake Garden was built in 2000 and initiated by former Sibu MP and Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Robert Lau Hoi Chew, as a water retention area. One of the facilities was the food court.

“But then, over the past 24 years, the food court has not been very successful in attracting people to come and eat.

“So, when this place was no longer useful, I was suggested by the former councillor, chairman of market and petty traders standing committee, that maybe we turn this place into a Dayak food court,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the SMC Ngiling Bidai ceremony at Permai Lake Garden food court here last night (June 29).

Organising Chairman Christopher Kelebit Ansa (right) presents a souvenir to Ting.

Ting (3rd left) in a group photo with all SMC staff and councillors at the event.

Ting urged the community, especially the Iban community, to support the place once it opens to ensure its success.

“We want to make sure that when people come to Sibu, they will remember this place and come to taste the good cooking and delicious food of the Iban community.

“So, I hope that councillors, not only the Iban councillors but also the Chinese and Malay Melanau councillors, will work together to ensure this place is successful.

He also said that the newly renovated food court will be among the best in Sibu.

“There is no other food court with a lake view. So I hope that SMC will make this place even nicer. Make sure that people will come at night to enjoy their dinner with their family along the lake.

“I urge the Iban community to please tell your friends and neighbours to come and support this place when all the hawker stalls are open,” he added.