Details count and the 3Ps will make VSY a success – Wong
SIBU: The launch of Visit Sibu Year ( VSY) 2017 on March 12 will help put the riverine town on the map as a popular tourist destination.
In this regard, Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh called for a concerted effort to make VSY a success.
“I have always stressed on 3Ps – public, private and people sector – as it requires a concerted effort to make it happen at the end of the day,” said Wong who anticipates a big crowd during the Saturday launch.
“Of course, we want to put Sibu on the tourism map through that launch,” he told reporters after performing the earth- breaking for the extension of general office cum pastor parsonage project for the Iban Methodist Church at Fong Ming Road here yesterday.
He was asked if VSY would be the launching pad to put Sibu on the tourists’ map.
Wong added that when tourists are here, taxi drivers, restaurant and hotel operators among others, played a very important role to ensure they had an enjoyable stay.
Hence, it was important to provide a clean, hygienic and conducive environment for visitors to shop.
Shopkeepers too could go a long way by being friendly and helpful to tourists, he added.
He pointed out that all these small things would help make VSY a successful year.
“So, I appeal to Sibu people to work in concerted manner to make VSY a success so that visitors will feel welcome,” he said.
Another crowd-puller would be the renowned Asian singing sensation Shila Amzah.
Wong noted that Shila was a very well-known singer based in Hong Kong and Beijing, rendering Mandarin songs.
Shila was recently appointed as a new Tourism Malaysia ambassador to China due to her immense popularity there.
She was appointed at a ceremony in Beijing by Malaysia Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz according to media reports.
A crocodile would be VSY 2017’s mascot, portraying adventure and ecotourism along Rajang River to attract visitors to Sibu.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem is expected to launch VSY 2017 on March 12 at Sibu Town Square Phase 1.
In last month’s full council meeting, Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong had mentioned that Sibu was a unique place that was often associated with the longest river in the country, the 563-km Rajang River.
On this, Andrew said the unique way of life in longhouses along the river would offer an unforgettable experience to tourists.