SIBU: Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) is planning to connect or extend the existing jetty, and beautify the landscape in Durin, using Rejang Esplanade as a template.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai noted that they would submit these two proposals to the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government to obtain funds.
“We will try to submit as soon as possible and we hope that the proposals can be approved. We will also apply for some allocations from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to cover the costs of these two projects,” he said during the opening ceremony of Pesta Rakyat Durin at Pekan Durin last Saturday (Nov 26).
Sempurai also noted that Durin had the potential to be developed like Siniawan in Kuching as “both are old towns with old shop designs.”
“It can develop into a place for food and drinks where every week there is a food sale, which will attract many visitors.
“We want to open up the old town using a new concept. I will present this proposal during the council’s monthly meeting to see how to make Durin become Siniawan,” he stressed.
“Durin is very strategic because it is located on the banks of Rajang River and when the jetty is extended to the middle of the river, it can be used as a place to eat and so on.”
Sempurai also informed that the Bukit Tunggal Stop Centre in Durin would also be built after being approved by the Premier, equipped with various rooms such as guest rooms, a stage, a youth corner, and so on.
“We will do the projects based on the available funds and for sure Durin this time will no longer be a quiet town but will be the focus of many after the projects I mentioned earlier are implemented.
“SRDC this time will not only be focusing on Selangau, Stapang and Sibu Jaya but also Durin. We will focus more on developing it into a tourist attraction,” he added.
Also present were SRDC acting secretary Chiong Siew Ping and festival organising chairman Cr Teo Boon Siew.
