SIBU: Non-governmental organisations here are urged to work with the government to identify abandoned areas that can be used as community recreation parks.
The Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said such recreation parks could beautify neighbourhoods and improve the quality of life for the people living there.
“Such green areas can be maintained for future generations,” he said in his speech read by his representative Datuk Wong Aik Loung at the opening of the Sibu Foochow Park at Jalan Gambir here today (March 16).
Meanwhile, in the park, the Bintulu MP welcomed all the community to use the facilities for healthy leisure and sports activities.
However, Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, hoped they could keep the park clean and free from vandalism.
“If damage occurs, the community can take the initiative to report to the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) so that repair work can be done immediately,” he said.
The entrance to the park is modelled after the famed San Fan Qi Street in Fuzhou, China, and is said to be “very environmental-friendly.
A total of 36 ironwood trees were planted in the compound while there are 20 banyan trees and trees of other species in the vicinity.
The park which was initiated by Sibu Foochow Association also dotted with three Chinese pavilions, two jogging tracks, a toilet, and a stage.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, SMC chairman Clarence Ting Ing Horh, Sibu Chinese community leader Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau and others.
