The market’s signboard will be preserved and put up at the new facility. ― Filepic
VISITORS to the new Sungai Merah Market will still be greeted by its old sign. It is Sibu Municipal Council’s effort (SMC) to preserve the market’s rich history.
The 70-year-old structure in Sibu, Sarawak, was demolished in July last year to pave the way for a modern facility.
Located at the same site in Sungai Merah Bazaar, the new market is expected to be ready by January next year.
It is being built at a cost of RM4.58mil
Work is currently at 42%, which is 2% ahead of schedule.
SMC councillor Albert Tiang said the public had expressed concern over the preservation of its history and heritage.
“They were wondering whether the council will be preserving any of the old building’s elements, especially its sign,” he said.
Tiang, who is SMC market and petty trader committee chairman, said that besides the 70-year-old sign, the council was also recycling some of the old materials for the interior of the new market.
Tiang (right) and Tang visiting the site of the new market under construction.
“This includes the wooden mesh panels,” he added.
Building contractor John Tang said the old sign would be placed fronting the staircase on the first floor of the new two-storey building.
“When people walk up the stairs, they will see the old sign.
“We are preserving the market’s history and heritage.
“For example, the ground floor will be painted blue to represent the arrival of workers from mainland China to in Sungai Merah at the beginning of the last century.
The new market, said Tang, covered 2,000sq m, while the old building only had a 200sq m space.
He said the old market had 12 stalls while the new one would have 17 on the ground floor.
“On the first floor, we will have 19 food stalls while the carpark will have 11 bays,” he added.
Tang said the back portion of the market offered a scenic view of Sungai Igan.
