SIBU could soon be like Pattaya, Thailand with food trucks around town, especially during festive seasons.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) is considering granting temporary permission to those interested in running food truck businesses in conjunction with certain festivities.
Chairman of the standing committee for general purposes and community services, councilor Donna Petrus Ngelai said this meant that anyone with an approved vehicle on the road would be allowed to run a business during the festival.
“It doesn’t have to be a truck. They can use their car or four-wheel-drive vehicle and jazz it up with creative decorations to attract customers.
Donna says council members are seeing the potential of food trucks especially during the festive season.
“We are looking at the possibility of allowing them to run their businesses at events such as the Chinese New Year Bazaar, Borneo Cultural Festival and Gawai Dayak Bazaar,” she said after the council’s full board meeting.
Donna said the council saw opportunities provided by food truck businesses after a study tour during the Fireworks Festival in Pattaya.
“From our observation, food trucks are able to attract people’s attention because of their attractive design, lighting and the way they advertise products.
“However, I understand that it will not meet specifications of our Road Transport Department (JPJ).
“The council will have to discuss with JPJ whether temporary businesses during festivals can be allowed.
“We will not allow the food trucks to operate 365 days a year but only during festivals.
“We will target mostly young people for such venture,” she said.
Donna said currently there were fewer than 10 licensed food trucks in Sibu whose vehicles were approved by JPJ and Puspakom.
“We want to encourage more young people to get involved in this business.
“The council will approve applications to run food truck businesses in designated spots in Sibu town.
“However, their vehicles must be approved by JPJ and Puspakom as a food truck.
“We also need to find out how many days they want to operate,” she said.
Donna said she believed food trucks would be a big draw during festive periods.
