|
Sibu is in Sarawak at the confluence of the Rejang and Igan Rivers. The population is dominated by Foochow, Chinese and as well as the Melanaus, an indigenous community.
Its origins are that of a small Melanau village in the 1850s. With the Rejang River becoming increasingly bustling with economic activity after the British Empire colonised Sarawak, the Foochow community arrived and formed the foundation of a trading centre. Later, Hokkien, Cantonese and Hakka traders populated the town and formed a strong Chinese community presence. The town would later be an important timber trading post.
In 1928, a fire razed the entire town into ashes when the timber warehouses caught fire and spread to the wooden settlements where the traders reside. As the site was considered geographically vital for the timber trade of which the tropical jungles provide a rich source, the re-development of the town was put to plan, and by the 1950s, the town has grown into one of Sarawak's largest towns. As of today, its population is approximately 200,000 people and city status plans are also underway.
Sibu's Official Website (http://www.sibu.com.my/)
|
