View source for Sarikei

{{For|the federal constituency represented in the Dewan Rakyat|Sarikei (federal constituency)}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| name                            = Sarikei
| official_name                   = Bandar Sarikei
| settlement_type                 = Town and [[List of capitals in Malaysia#District capitals|district capital]]
| native_name                     =
| nickname                        = [[Pineapple]] town (Bandar nenas)/Food basket of Sarawak (Bakul makanan Sarawak)<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page xviii</ref>
 | translit_lang1           = Other
 | translit_lang1_type1     = [[Jawi script|Jawi]]
 | translit_lang1_info1     = ساريکئي
 | translit_lang1_type2     = [[Chinese language|Chinese]]
 | translit_lang1_info2     = {{lang|zh-hans|泗里街}} {{font|size=70%|([[Simplified Chinese characters|Simplified]])}}<br />{{Lang|zh-hant|泗里街}} {{font|size=70%|([[Traditional Chinese characters|Traditional]])}}<br />''Sìlǐjiē'' {{font|size=70%|([[Hanyu Pinyin]])}}
| image_skyline                   = {{multiple image
| border                 = infobox
| total_width            = 300
| image_style            = border:1;
| perrow                 = 1/2/2
| image1                 = Symbol of Sarikei Town (6728282471).jpg
| image2                 = Sarikei Hospital main building.jpg
| image3                 = Sarikei Central Market.jpg
| image4                 = Sarikei Lake Garden clock tower.jpg
| image5                 = Sarikei community hall.jpg
}}
| image_caption                = '''From top, left to right:'''<br>Symbol of Sarikei Town, [[:ms: Hospital Sarikei|Sarikei Hospital]], Sarikei Central Market, Sarikei Lake Garden, and the Community Center
| imagesize                       = 
| image_seal                      = File:Sarikei District Council logo.png
| pushpin_map                     = Malaysia Sarawak#Malaysia#Southeast Asia#Asia
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| pushpin_mapsize                 = 300
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in [[Malaysia]]
| coordinates                     = {{coord|2|7|32|N|111|31|19|E|region:MY|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type                = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|Malaysia}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[States of Malaysia|State]]
| subdivision_name1               = {{flag|Sarawak}}
| subdivision_type2               = Division
| subdivision_name2               = [[Sarikei Division|Sarikei]]
| subdivision_type3               = District
| subdivision_name3               = [[Sarikei District|Sarikei]]
| leader_title                    = Resident
| leader_name                     = Mohamad Junaidi Bin Mohidin
| leader_title1                   = Council Chairman
| leader_name1                    = Kr. Wong Zee Yeng
| area_total_km2                  = 985
| population_total                = 56,228
| population_as_of                = 2010<ref name=census2010>[http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/05Jadual_Mukim_negeri/Mukim_Sarawak.pdf Total population by ethnic group, sub-district and state, Malaysia, 2010], Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, Retrieved 1 January 2014</ref>
| timezone                        = [[Malaysian Standard Time|MST]]
| utc_offset                      = +8
| timezone_DST                    = Not observed
| postal_code_type                = [[List of postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code                     = 96xxx
| area_code_type                  = [[Telephone numbers in Malaysia|National calling code]] <!-- refer to Warsaw -->
| area_code                       = +6084 (local landline only)
| blank_name                      = [[Malaysian vehicle license plates|License plate prefix]]
| blank_info                      = QR {{small|(for all vehicles except taxis)}}
| website                         = {{URL|http://www.sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/}}
| footnotes                       = 
}}

'''Sarikei''' is a town, and the capital of [[Sarikei District]] in [[Sarikei Division]], [[Sarawak]], [[Malaysia]]. It is located on the [[Rajang River]], near where the river empties into the [[South China Sea]]. The district population (year 2010 census) was 56,798.<ref name=census2010/>

The most distinctive feature of the bustling waterfront is a 3.6-m-high pineapple statue and also the tallest building in Sarikei - Wisma Jubli Mutiara.

The town itself consists of a main road, Repok Road which is bisected by another road leading to the new development in Kampung Seberang which is known as Susur Jambu.

==Etymology==
There are many theories regarding the origin of the name of Sarikei. Once upon a time, Sarikei was the centre for buying and selling chickens and hence it was called "Sa-rie-kei" ("Sa-rie" in most Chinese dialects means "centre" and "kei" means "street"). Later the spelling was changed to Sarikei.<ref>{{cite journal|title=SARIKEI: Pusat Pertanian Komersil Wilayah Tengah (Sarikei: centre of commercial agriculture of central zone of Sarawak)|journal=Rakan Sarawak (Friends of Sarawak)|date=September 2002|volume=9|issue=2|url=http://www.myonestopsarawak.com.my/info/rakansarawak/092002/coverpage/cp05.shtml|access-date=27 April 2018|archive-date=14 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114101004/http://www.myonestopsarawak.com.my/info/rakansarawak/092002/coverpage/cp05.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> Another explanation is that it comes from the name of a settlement named "Sa-ley" (沙厘) along [[Rajang River]] which later had a bazaar called "Ba-sha" (巴刹). The Cantonese people living there called the bazaar as "Jie-shi" or "Shi-jie" (街市 or 市街); and going to bazaar is known as "Li-jie" (里街). Thus when 沙里街 (Sa-li-jie) is romanised to English, it became "Sarikei". Another theory stated that there was a stall selling red wood tile (红柴瓦) in the bazaar where the Cantonese people also called "Sa-ley" (沙厘), giving rise to the name of "Sarikei".<ref name="Yii2010">{{cite book|last1=余(Yii)|first1=悦胜(Yuk Seng)|title=泗里街省華族史料集 (Collection of historical material on the chinese community in Sarikei Division)|date=November 2010|publisher=砂拉越华族文化协会(Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association)|location=Sibu, Sarawak|isbn=978-983-9360-49-3|edition=First}}</ref><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 6</ref> For the indigenous people living there, Sarikei is known as "Siriki".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Yiek|first1=Daniel|title=History - Sarikei 1800s-1900s Chinese Migrants|url=http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/2006/07/history-sarikei-1800s-1900s-chinese.html|website=blogspot.com|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818171709/http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/2006/07/history-sarikei-1800s-1900s-chinese.html|archive-date=18 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Another theory was that Sarikei" was named after a beautiful woman named "Sareke" who was married to the son (named "Bujang") of a headman (named "Sigalang") of the Sigalang community which existed since 300 years ago.<ref name="1Malaysiainternet">{{cite web|title=Sejarah (History)|url=http://kgseberang.pi1m.my/index.php/warga-pi1m/maklumat-pi1m/sejarah/45-sejarah|publisher=Pusat Internet 1Malaysia (1Malaysia Internet Centre)|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428115733/http://kgseberang.pi1m.my/index.php/warga-pi1m/maklumat-pi1m/sejarah/45-sejarah|archive-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Sir James Brooke (1847) by Francis Grant.jpg|left|thumb|140px|Sir James Brooke (1803–1868)]]
The town Sarikei already existed prior to the rule of Brooke when it was part of the [[Bruneian Empire]]. The Sigalang community is known to be the first community to exist in the Sarikei area 300 years ago which was located between Sarikei and Nyelong rivers where both rivers drained into the Rajang river. They were known to be skillful farmers, hunters, and house builders. The Sigalang community was named of its headman who was fair and just and took great care of the community.<ref name="1Malaysiainternet"/> In the 1840s, the trade at [[Rajang River]] was controlled by Malays at Sarikei. Among the most powerful Malays was Datuk Patinggi Abdul Rahman. Among the popular items being traded at Sarikei was rice, beeswax, jungle produce, fine clothes and dried fish.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history">{{cite web|last1=Yiek|first1=Daniel|title=History of Sarikei|url=http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/p/sarikeis-history.html|website=blogspot.com|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011111603/http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/p/sarikeis-history.html|archive-date=11 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Rajah [[James Brooke]] first visited Sarikei on 30 April 1845 in his steamer H.E.I.C.S. Phlegethon.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/><ref name="Sarikeidivisionaloffice">{{cite web|title=History Background of Sarikei|url=http://www.sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-289-157-History-Background-of-Sarikei.html|website=Official website of Sarikei Divisional administrative office|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429025044/http://www.sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/page-0-289-157-History-Background-of-Sarikei.html|archive-date=29 April 2018}} [https://archive.org/details/HistoryOfSarikeiBySarikeiDivisionalOffice Alt URL]</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Belcher|first1=Edward|title=Narrative of the Voyage of H.M.S. Samarang, During the Years 1843-46; Employed surveying the Islands of the Eastern Archipelago Vol. 2|url=https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=qwTjAAAAMAAJ&pg=GBS.PA162&hl=en|year=1848|publisher=Reeve, Benham and Reeve}}</ref> [[File:Abdul Rahman's House Sarikei.jpg|thumb|HEICS Phlegethon visits Sarikei 28 June 1846 - Drawing by Captain Rodney Mundy]]In 1846, James Brooke wanted Abdul Rahman to control the piracy of the Iban people but Abdul Rahman failed to contain the Ibans.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/> [[Rentap]], an Iban freedom fighter against the Brookes from 1849 to 1861, was buried in the present day Bukit Sibau, [[Pakan District]] of the [[Sarikei Division]]. [[Syarif Masahor]] with his ally (the Iban people) attacked Abdul Rahman. He gained control of Sarikei from 1849. In 1851, (A.H.1267) Omar Ali Saifuddin II granted James Brooke the rights to control the [[Rajang River]] and its surrounding settlements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-807821950/view|title=Photostat of translation of 1851 Concession granted by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II to James Brooke |last=bin Muahamed Jamal al alam |first=Omar Ali Saifudin |website=Trove |publisher= |access-date= 2023-05-14 |quote=}}</ref>   On 4 January 1856, Sarikei was burnt by Dayaks from Julau. In the same month, James Brooke set up a fort in Sarikei to suppress any piracy activities by the upriver Iban people.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 1</ref> The fort was built for Brooke allies led by Abang Ali and Abang Asop. This has angered Syarif Masahor. Syarif responded by building a bigger military force. This led the Brookes to reinstate Syarif as the leader of Sarikei in September 1857 in exchange for Brooke's control of [[Mukah]]. On 19 June 1856, Sir [[Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak|Charles Brooke]] led an expedition to Julau in order to counter the native resistance in [[Julau]].<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/> The fort at Sarikei was burnt by Charles Johnson Brooke's forces five years after 1856 when they tried to capture Syarif Masahor, Syarif's rule ended in 1861. The administration of Sarikei was later taken over by the Brookes.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/><ref name="Sarikeidivisionaloffice"/>

[[Hoklo people]] and the [[Cantonese people]] were the first ones to arrive in Sarikei in 1864. They built [[Attap dwelling]]s and live alongside the Malays near the riverside. The Chinese rear chickens and planted vegetables. Later the Chinese used timber to build shophouses and started to do grocery businesses. After that, their businesses expanded to include trading with Singapore companies.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 3</ref> The number of shophouses grew from four to six shops in 1905.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/> In 1907, [[Fuzhou people|Fuzhounese]] migrants arrived Sarikei. As the population and the shophouses near the riverside increased, with several old shophouses tilting towards the riverside; the Brooke government ordered all the shophouses to migrate inland (now Repok road, also known as "backstreet") for safety purposes. The road near the river is known as "frontstreet".<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/>  Most of the shophouses were family owned. River was the main mode of transport for Sarikei. Sarikei was connected to Singapore through a steamship that came once a month. As the shipping frequencies increased, warehouses and wharf was built.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 2</ref> In 1923, the Chinese in Sarikei constructed the first part of Sarikei-Durin road. In 1932, all the wooden shophouses in Sarikei were rebuilt using concrete. Chinese schools started to increase from the same year.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 3</ref> In 1941, Japanese troops occupied Sarawak. However, the Japanese did not take over the local government in Sibu. This created a power vacuum in the central region of Sarawak. This has caused chaos in Sarikei. The people in Sarikei had to form their own protection squad to deter piracy activities from the upriver Dayaks. Three months later, the Japanese formally installed a provincial governor at Sibu. Peace was restored but life became harder due to stagnated economic activities.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 4</ref> By 1943, Sarikei had 40 concrete shops.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/> After the Japanese surrender in 1945, Sarawak was liberated and became [[British crown colony]].<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 4</ref> In 1952, Cathay cinema was opened.<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/>

Initially, the Chinese were involved in land disputes with the local indigenous people. However, with Rajah intervention, boundaries between Chinese and indigenous people lands were drawn and both sides agreed to settle down in their own lands.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 7</ref> In 1949, [[black pepper]] prices started to rise. Residents of Sarikei planted a large number of black pepper plantations. In 1950, the price of rubber rose due to the [[Korean War]]. This had caused a booming rubber plantation in Sarikei.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 4</ref> Sarikei Chinese Chamber of Commerce was established in 1932 in order to protect Chinese commercial interests. In 1954, the [[Crown colony of Sarawak|Sarawak colonial government]] presented a 1955 budget deficit. In order to increase income, the colonial government decided to increase the price of business permit tax. In December 1954, the legislation to increase business permit tax was approved in the Council Negri (now [[Sarawak State Legislative Assembly]]). This has caused the permit tax to increase from 500% to 900%. Sarikei Chinese chamber of Commerce decided to organise a strike for ten days in protest of increased taxes. The third division (today [[Sibu Division]]) [[Resident (title)#British Malay states and possessions|Resident]] came to persuade the Chinese in Sarikei to stop the strike but to no avail. The strike proceed from 1 January 1955 to 10 January 1955. This strike received full support from Chinese merchants from Kuching, Sibu, Bintangor, and [[Selangau]]. Chinese merchants from [[Kapit]] strike for eight days while Miri, Bintulu, Mukah, and [[Saratok]] strike for three days. However, the strike failed to stop the business permit tax; and the taxation continues after the formation of Malaysia and is listed under the jurisdiction of Sarawak state government.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 33-37</ref>

In the 1950s, Sarikei was a district under the jurisdiction of [[Sibu Division]].<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 7</ref> In 1973, Sarikei was upgraded into the sixth division of Sarawak, covering 6,969&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, consisting of Sarikei, Meradong, [[Julau]], Matu, Daro, Balawai, and [[Pakan, Sarawak|Pakan]] districts with a population of 151,300 people.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 1</ref> The creation of Sarikei Division was to more effectively counter the [[communist insurgency in Sarawak]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Wilson|first1=Baya Dandot|title=Sarawak's Unique Administrative Identity: Establishment of Divisional, District & Sub-District Machinery for Enhancing Development Administration|journal=Rakan Sarawak (Friends of Sarawak)|date=March 2002|volume=3|issue=2|url=http://www.myonestopsarawak.com.my/info/rakansarawak/032002/editorial/index.shtml|access-date=28 April 2018|quote=the security conditions posed by communist insurgency, became paramount which led to the creation of Sarikei and Kapit Divisions,|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060114103220/http://www.myonestopsarawak.com.my/info/rakansarawak/032002/editorial/index.shtml|archive-date=14 January 2006|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In 2002, the Sarawak government separated [[Matu District|Matu]], [[Daro District|Daro]], and [[Tanjung Manis District|Tanjung Manis]] districts from Sarikei to be incorporated into the newly created [[Mukah Division]], thus leaving [[Sarikei Division]] with only Sarikei, Pakan, Meradong, and Julau districts, covering 4,857&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> with a population of 117,837 people.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 1</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Sarikeidivisiondistrict.svg|thumb|left|Administrative districts of [[Sarikei Division]].]]
[[File:Sarikei District Council.jpg|thumb|Sarikei District Council]]
Sarikei District Council was set up in January 1955. The council was tasked to administer the Sarikei district, public health, local sanitary system, public works, and fire rescue.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 12</ref> Sarikei is also within the {{pseat|Sarikei}} and {{pseat|Tanjong Manis}} (Kampung Seberang area) constituencies.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=黄进发 |first=Chin-Huat Wong |title=Sarawak Constituency Redelineation 2015-Final Report |url=https://www.academia.edu/23403150}}</ref>

==Geography==
Sarikei is located within the Rejang river basin beside the Rajang river, there is also Repok river (also known as Sarikei river)<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 7</ref> and Nyelong river<ref name="Yiek Sarikei history"/> located near the town.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 7</ref>

==Climate==
Sarikei has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] (Af) with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round.
{{Weather box
|width = auto
| location = Sarikei
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan high C = 30.2
| Feb high C = 30.5
| Mar high C = 31.4
| Apr high C = 32.2
| May high C = 32.7
| Jun high C = 32.4
| Jul high C = 32.3
| Aug high C = 32.0
| Sep high C = 31.9
| Oct high C = 31.8
| Nov high C = 31.6
| Dec high C = 31.0

| Jan mean C = 26.2
| Feb mean C = 26.4
| Mar mean C = 27.0
| Apr mean C = 27.5
| May mean C = 27.9
| Jun mean C = 27.5
| Jul mean C = 27.3
| Aug mean C = 27.1
| Sep mean C = 27.2
| Oct mean C = 27.2
| Nov mean C = 27.1
| Dec mean C = 26.7
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 22.3
| Feb low C = 22.4
| Mar low C = 22.7
| Apr low C = 22.8
| May low C = 23.1
| Jun low C = 22.7
| Jul low C = 22.3
| Aug low C = 22.3
| Sep low C = 22.5
| Oct low C = 22.6
| Nov low C = 22.6
| Dec low C = 22.4
|rain colour=green
|Jan rain mm=354
|Feb rain mm=271
|Mar rain mm=270
|Apr rain mm=241
|May rain mm=207
|Jun rain mm=169
|Jul rain mm=179
|Aug rain mm=217
|Sep rain mm=260
|Oct rain mm=272
|Nov rain mm=279
|Dec rain mm=355
|source 1 = Climate-Data.org<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://en.climate-data.org/location/976552/
|title = Climate: Sarikei
|publisher=Climate-Data.org
|access-date = 29 October 2020}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%">
File:Sarikei St Anthony's catholic church.jpg|Church of St Anthony
File:Al-Muttaqin mosque Sarikei.jpg|Al-Muttaqin mosque
</gallery>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Sarikei District Ethnic Statistic<ref name="census2010"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/page.php?id=161&menu_id=0&sub_id=291 |title=Official website of Sarikei Administrative Division |access-date=12 July 2014 |archive-date=12 July 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140712161744/http://www.sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/page.php?id=161&menu_id=0&sub_id=291 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
|-
!style="width:5%"|Total <br />Population
!style="width:5%"|[[Ethnic Malays|Malay]]
!style="width:5%"|[[Iban people|Iban]]
!style="width:5%"|[[Bidayuh]]
!style="width:5%"|[[Melanau]]
!style="width:5%"|Other <br />[[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|Bumiputera]]
!style="width:5%"|[[Chinese people|Chinese]]
!style="width:5%"|[[Indian people|Indian]] 
!style="width:5%"|Other <br />Non-Bumiputera
!style="width:5%"|Non-Citizen
|-
| 56,228
| 9,192
| 18,559
| 456
| 3,933 
| 594
| 21,772 
| 116
| 370
| 1,236
|-
|}
The total population for [[Sarikei District]] is 56,228 as of year 2010.<ref name=ethnicitytotal>{{cite web|title=Total population by ethnic group, sub-district, and state, Malaysia, 2010 (Table 28.1, page 375)|publisher=Statistics Department, Malaysia|access-date=18 March 2015|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/05Jadual_Mukim_negeri/Mukim_Sarawak.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205084527/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/05Jadual_Mukim_negeri/Mukim_Sarawak.pdf|archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> Major ethnic groups in Sarikei District are: [[Chinese Malaysian|Chinese]], [[Iban people|Iban]], and [[Malay people|Malay]].<ref name=ethnicitytotal/>

Christianity first set foot in Sarikei in the early 1900s with the establishment of churches and missionary schools.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 119, 130</ref>

Besides that, the town has a fairly large population of '''Christians'''. The majority of the Christians belong to the [[Methodist]] denomination which has about four churches in the town area and surrounding residential areas. The [[Roman Catholic]] parish of St Anthony's in Sarikei has its church along Repok Road. The mission also runs two schools, St. Anthony's Secondary School and St. Anne's Primary School as well as a kindergarten, St. Clement's. Other Christian churches include the [[Anglican Church]] centre in the Nyelong Park Housing Estate as well as the SIB (Borneo Evangelical Church). In 1999, a new church was built at Jalan Kwong Ming named the Sarawak [[Full Gospel]] Church (Sarikei Branch).

There was an old mosque in Sarikei which served the Muslim population from 1984 to 1983. A new mosque named Al-Muttaqin mosque was built in 1983 to replace the old mosque.<ref>{{cite web |title=Masjid Pilihan - Masjid Al-Muttaqin, Sarikei |url=http://www.kmasjid.com.my/?portletid=109&siteid=SAR0050003&mid=37 |publisher=Al-Muttaqin mosque |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812060717/http://www.kmasjid.com.my/?portletid=109&siteid=SAR0050003&mid=37 |archive-date=12 August 2018}}</ref>

Sarikei Buddhist Orthodox Association is also located in the town.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarikei Buddhist Orthodox Association |url=https://www.ybam.org.my/v2/en/bookstore/books/item/445-sarikei-buddhist-orthodox-association.html |publisher=Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326024349/https://www.ybam.org.my/v2/en/bookstore/books/item/445-sarikei-buddhist-orthodox-association.html |archive-date=26 March 2019}}</ref>

==Economy==
Rubber and black pepper were the major agricultural products from Sarikei before the second world war. After the war, most of the Chinese shift their focus to black pepper cultivation. After the war, there was 12,000 acres of rubber plantations and 15,5000 acres of black pepper plantations. Before the war, monthly production of rubber was less than 3,000 [[picul]] and black pepper production was between 6,000 and 7,000 [[picul]] per year. After the war, the rate of black pepper production increased to more than 10,000 [[picul]] per year. Other businesses such as rice mills, rubber dyeing, grocery shops, exports, groceries, and [[drapery]] can also be found in the 1950s.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 8</ref>

Today, Sarikei is known for its sweet and juicy pineapple production. Thus, Sarikei is also known as "pineapple town".<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page xviii</ref> Sarikei has also become the main supplier of fruit, vegetables for Sarawak. Thus, the town is also nicknamed as the "food basket" of Sarawak.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page xviii</ref> In the 1980s to 1990s, as the black pepper price increased to RM 1000 per 100&nbsp;kg, more black pepper plantations were opened in Sarikei. As of 2010, the black pepper production in Sarikei accounted for two-thirds of tohe ttal black pepper production in Sarawak.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page xviii</ref>

There is one light industrial estate in Sarikei<ref>{{cite web|title=Excellent industrial facilities|url=http://www.mid.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=60|publisher=Ministry of Industrial & Entrepreneur Development, Sarawak|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524222759/http://www.mid.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=60|archive-date=24 May 2018}} [https://archive.org/details/SarawakIndustries Alt URL]</ref> that caters food processing, ceramic art, and handicrafts.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page xxiv</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:Sarikei wharf terminal.jpg|thumb|Sarikei wharf terminal one]]
[[File:Sarikei town bus station.jpg|thumb|Sarikei town bus station]]

===Land===
As the road connectivity improved, the time taken from Sibu to Sarikei reduced from two hours to one hour. The time taken to reach [[Bintangor, Sarawak|Bintangor]] from Sarikei also reduced from 45 minutes to 20 minutes. Bus transportation flourished since then.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page XX</ref>

===local bus===
{| class="wikitable"  style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
!Route No.
!Operating Route
!Operator
!Remark
|-
|5
|Sarikei-Selalang<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Sarawakbustruckcommunity/photos/a.673957656071818/2572506896216875 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=June 2022}}</ref>
|Borneo Bus
|
|-
|6
|Sarikei-[[Pakan, Sarawak|Pakan]]<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Sarawakbustruckcommunity/photos/a.1898683096932595/2219164724884429/ {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=June 2022}}</ref>
|Borneo Bus
|
|-
|7
|Sarikei-[[Saratok]]<ref>https://www.facebook.com/Sarawakbustruckcommunity/photos/2570851843049047 {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=May 2022}}</ref>
|Borneo Bus
|
|-
|8B
|Sibu
|Borneo Bus
|
|-
|24
|Sarikei-Ulu Sarikei-[[:ms:Pekan Roban|Roban]]-[[Nyabor]]-[[Kabong]]<ref>https://m.facebook.com/Sarikeians/photos/a.2846571192065029/3051897634865716/?type=3&source=57&locale2=ms_MY&__tn__=EH-R {{User-generated source|certain=yes|date=May 2022}}</ref>
|Borneo Bus
|Sebangkoi Country Resort (實曼歸度假村)
|-
|}

Sarikei has two bus stations. The short-distance bus terminal is located near the Sarikei Express Wharf Terminal while the long-distance bus terminal located 1&nbsp;km from town centre (started to operate since year 2002). The short-distance bus terminal is for the short-distance travel within Sarikei town, and to Sibu and Bintangor. For long-distance bus terminal, it serves as the main hub for express buses to further destinations in Sarawak such as Kuching, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri through the [[Pan Borneo Highway]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarikei has two bus stations |url=http://www.etawau.com/Geography/Sarawak/06_Sarikei/Sarikei/TerminalExpressBus.htm |publisher=etawau.com |access-date=4 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121141933/http://www.etawau.com/Geography/Sarawak/06_Sarikei/Sarikei/TerminalExpressBus.htm |archive-date=21 January 2019}}</ref>

[[Grab (company)|Grab]] started to offer services in Sarikei since May 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grab is now in Sarikei & Lahad Datu! |date=2 May 2018 |url=https://www.grab.com/my/blog/grab-is-now-in-sarikei-lahad-datu/ |publisher=Grab |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105201313/https://www.grab.com/my/blog/grab-is-now-in-sarikei-lahad-datu/ |archive-date=5 November 2019}}</ref>

===Water===
In the 1970s, as the road connections was not advanced, water was the major form of transport from Sarikei to other towns near the Rajang river. Sarikei is located between Sibu and Kuching. Therefore, Sarikei become the relaystation between the two places. As the road condition improved over the years especially in the 1990s, water transport in Sarikei become less favourable.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page XX</ref>

There is one express boat terminal in Sarikei that provides water transport to Kuching.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bagaiman ke Sarikei (How to go to Sarikei) |url=https://sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?lang=bm&mod=webpage&sub=page&menu_id=0&sub_id=292&id=162&title=How-to-get-to-Sarikei |publisher=Sarikei Divisional Office |access-date=2 November 2019 }} [https://archive.org/details/sarikeimodeoftransport Alt URL]</ref>

==Facilities==
===Education===
[[File:SMK Tinggi Sarikei entrance.jpg|thumb|SMK Tinggi Sarikei]]
Several Chinese primary schools were set up before the Japanese occupation. Amongst them were: Su Kwon primary school (1920), Su Hua primary school (1926), and Kwang Chien primary school (1927). St Anthony school was set up by Catholic missionaries in 1936.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 161, 166, 177</ref> Secondary schools offer the highest level of education is Sarikei. Among these is Sarikei Hwa Chiew secondary school which was established in 1938. In 1970, upon request by [[Ministry of Education (Malaysia)|Malaysian Ministry of Education]], the name was changed to SMK Tinggi Sarikei. Established in 1967, Ming Lik secondary school is the only [[Chinese independent high school]] in Sarikei.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 147, 150, 152</ref> Other secondary schools include: SMK Sarikei Baru<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aga |first1=Anthony |title=School to be ready by mid 2014 |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/31/school-to-be-ready-by-mid-2014/ |access-date=19 December 2019 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=31 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015150242/https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/31/school-to-be-ready-by-mid-2014/ |archive-date=15 October 2017}}</ref> and [[SMK Bandar Sarikei]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Special education students of SMK Bandar Sarikei create giant Jalur Gemilang |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/11/special-education-students-of-smk-bandar-sarikei-create-giant-jalu-gemilang/ |access-date=19 December 2019 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=11 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219215853/https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/11/special-education-students-of-smk-bandar-sarikei-create-giant-jalu-gemilang/ |archive-date=19 December 2019}}</ref> The Sarikei Community College offers certificate courses on culinary and computer systems and support.<ref>{{cite news |title=Community college to offer two certificate courses |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2014/03/19/community-college-to-offer-two-certificate-courses/ |access-date=19 December 2019 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=19 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621110639/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/03/19/community-college-to-offer-two-certificate-courses/ |archive-date=21 June 2017}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[File:Sarikei Hospital main building.jpg|thumb|The Sarikei hospital]]
The first hospital in Sarikei was built in 1962 at Repok road, which can accommodate only 40 beds. Labour and delivery ward was constructed only in 1974, followed by increasing the number of hospital beds to 104 in 1982.<ref name="JKNS Sarikei">{{cite web|title=HOSPITAL SARIKEI Jalan Repok, Sarikei (1962 – Januari 2006)|url=http://www.ijknsarawak.gov.my/uploads/InventoryKemudahan/Hosp_sarikei.pdf|publisher=Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sarawak (JKNS) (Sarawak state health department)|access-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524223822/http://www.ijknsarawak.gov.my/uploads/InventoryKemudahan/Hosp_sarikei.pdf|archive-date=24 May 2018}} [https://archive.org/details/HospSarikei Alt URL]</ref> In 2006, a new hospital was constructed at Rentap road,<ref>{{cite web |title=Pengenalan (Introduction) |url=https://hsarikei.moh.gov.my/v4/bm/pengenalan-hospital/ |publisher=Hospital Sarikei |access-date=12 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604002941/https://hsarikei.moh.gov.my/v4/bm/pengenalan-hospital/ |archive-date=4 June 2021}}</ref> costing RM250 million. It has 212 beds, an operating theatre, and specialist clinics, covering a total of 30 hectares.<ref name="JKNS Sarikei"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Development brings economic opportunities to Sarikei|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2006/04/11/development-brings-economic-opportunities-to-sarikei/|access-date=24 May 2018|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=11 April 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222150929/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2006/04/11/development-brings-economic-opportunities-to-sarikei/|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> There is also Sarikei public health clinic<ref>{{cite web |title=Kermudahan kesihatan (Health facilities) |url= http://pknsarikei.pjk.com.my/index.php/warga-pi1m/infrastruktur/kesihatan/59-kemudahan-kesihatan|publisher=Pusat Internet Pekan Sarikei (Sarikei town internet centre) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220090837/http://pknsarikei.pjk.com.my/index.php/warga-pi1m/infrastruktur/kesihatan/59-kemudahan-kesihatan |archive-date=20 December 2019}}</ref> located inside the town and Jakar community clinic located 12&nbsp;km away from the town.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aga |first1=Anthony |title=1Malaysia Clinic in Jakar to serve about 5,000 people |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/1malaysia-clinic-in-jakar-to-serve-about-5000-people/ |access-date=20 December 2019 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=1 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928083059/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/1malaysia-clinic-in-jakar-to-serve-about-5000-people/ |archive-date=28 September 2018}}</ref>

===Library===
[[File:Sarikei public library.jpg|thumb|Sarikei public library]]
Sarikei public library was opened to the public on 1 August 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sarikei Public Library |url=http://www1.librarynet.com.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=76&menu_id=0&sub_id=95 |publisher=LibraryNet |access-date=20 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220092042/http://www1.librarynet.com.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=76&menu_id=0&sub_id=95 |archive-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>

==Culture and leisure==

===Attractions and recreational spots===
====Cultural====
Sarikei pineapple festival is held annually since 2003. Besides showcasing various agricultural products, there are trade shows, dance performances, and live performances by singers.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pineapple Festival (Pesta Nanas) |work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=https://sarawaktourism.com/event/pineapple-festival-pesta-nanas/ |publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221213325/https://sarawaktourism.com/event/pineapple-festival-pesta-nanas/ |archive-date=21 December 2019}}</ref>

====Historical====
[[File:Sarikei clock tower 2.jpg|thumb|Sarikei clock tower]]
Sarikei clock tower was officiated in 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=8 photos from our road trip to Sarikei |url=http://sixthseal.com/2014/12/8-photos-from-our-road-trip-to-sarikei/ |publisher=sixthseal.com |access-date=23 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223092955/http://sixthseal.com/2014/12/8-photos-from-our-road-trip-to-sarikei/ |archive-date=23 February 2019}}</ref>

====Leisure and conservation areas====
[[File:Sarikei community hall.jpg|thumb|Sarikei Civic Centre]]
[[File:Sarikei Lake Garden Entrance.jpg|thumb|Entrance to Sarikei Lake Garden]]
King [[George VI]] square was established in 1953 as a recreational spot for Sarikei people. Sarikei civic centre was later built near the square in 1987.<ref name="Yii2010"/><ref group=note>Yii, 2010. Page 16</ref> Sarikei Civic Centre has been hosting gatherings and events since 1988.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sarikei in dire need of newer, bigger civic centre — Huang |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/11/07/sarikei-in-dire-need-of-newer-bigger-civic-centre-huang/ |access-date=21 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117085513/https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/11/07/sarikei-in-dire-need-of-newer-bigger-civic-centre-huang/ |archive-date=17 November 2019}}</ref> There is a Sarikei jetty where the visitors can watch speedboats, ferries, and longboats at the dock.
Sarikei Lake Garden was opened to public since 1995. The park includes a fish pond, fountains, pedestrian walkways, and children playground.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lake Garden, Sarikei |url=https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/lake-garden-sarikei/ |publisher=Sarawak Tourisam Board |access-date=24 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224142357/https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/lake-garden-sarikei/ |archive-date=24 December 2019}}</ref> The Sebangkoi forest park is located at 23&nbsp;km away from town. Sebangkoi Deer Farm is located opposite to the forest park.<ref>{{cite book |title=Sarawak Visitors Guide |date=2014 |url=http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/files/basic-html/page72.html |access-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225070743/http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/files/basic-html/page72.html |archive-date=25 December 2019}}</ref> Rumah Nyuka Longhouse was built in 1955. It is located at 17&nbsp;km away from Bayong junction ([[Betong, Sarawak|Betong]]-Sarikei highway). Visitors can tap rubber in the morning, collect fruits, jungle trekking, and swimming in two nearby waterfalls.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rumah Nyuka Longhouse |url=https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/rumah-nyuka-longhouse/ |publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board |access-date=25 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224143242/https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/rumah-nyuka-longhouse/ |archive-date=24 December 2019}}</ref>

===Shopping===
[[File:Sungai Rajang bazaar Sarikei.jpg|thumb|The Sungai Rajang bazaar]]
There is a wet market in Sarikei selling fruits, vegetables, and other local produce.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sarikei a bustling riverside town |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/24/sarikei-a-bustling-riverside-town/ |access-date=18 December 2019 |publisher=Borneo Post |date=24 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403163908/https://www.theborneopost.com/2016/06/24/sarikei-a-bustling-riverside-town/ |archive-date=3 April 2019}}</ref>

==Cuisine==
[[File:Roti Bakar Aik Seng.jpg|thumb|right|Roti Bakar Aik Seng]]
[[File:Sarikei Coconut Prawn Mee.jpg|thumb|right|Coconut Prawn Mee Glory Cafe]]
The more famous local cuisine include:
* "'''Roti Bakar Aik Seng'''" : This charcoal-toasted ‘roti bakar’ has three fillings – butter, ‘kaya’ and peanut butter. It's totally different with the toasted breads that offers by other coffee shop.<ref name=food1>[http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/28/day14from-sarikei-to-longhouse-with-success-story/#ixzz37KPl5nwA  DAY14:From Sarikei to longhouse with success story], Borneo Post Online, 2013-07-28, Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref> Sarawak's former [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak|Yang Di-Pertua]], Tun [[Abang Muhammad Salahuddin]] Abang Barieng always came Aik Seng to enjoy ‘roti bakar’ when he visiting Sarikei.<ref name=food2>[http://www.eunited.com.my/?q=node/2799 州元首伉俪光临《益星》 品尝咖啡碳烤面包], EUnited.com.my, 30 October 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref><ref name=food3>[http://www.eunited.com.my/?q=node/11531  钟爱《益星》美食 州元首驾临享早点], EUnited.com.my, 2012-12-17, Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref>
* "'''"Gold Coin Skewer'''"  is made from lean pork, fat pork and pork liver slices marinated and sprinkled with sesame seeds
* "'''Kam Pua noodles'''" : Two types which is white noodles (onion and garlic flavour) and black soy sauce stir mixed.Looks similar like wan tan noodles but taste totally different. Major ingredients are fried onions, shallots, lard, and [[yeast in winemaking|red yeast wine]] that make it so unique.
*"'''Cantonese fried noodles '''" : Very famous in Sarikei and also known as Sarawak Tomato Noodles. Available at food court and restaurants in Sarikei.
* "'''Erng Zhou Ark'''" : Duck roasted with a concoction derived from the by-product of the red yeast wine making process.
* "'''[[Kompyang]]'''" : pronounced ''kom-pyang''; [[Jian'ou dialect]]: ''Guang-biang'', a local hard & dry, mild salty bread. Best eaten hot. Besides Sarikei,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/2007/06/food-sarikei-kom-pia.html |title=Sarikei Time Capsule: Food - Sarikei Kom Pia |publisher=Sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com |date=30 June 2007 |access-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> kompyang also can find in [[Sibu]] town, [[Sitiawan]],<ref name=food4>[http://www.submerryn.com/2012/04/sitiawan-kompiang.html Sitiawan Kompiang], Submerryn.com, 4 December 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref> [[Ayer Tawar]],<ref name=kompian>[http://life.sinchew.com.my/node/5913 愛大華福州光餅‧炭燒烘焙皆美味], Sinchew.com.my, 29 May 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref> [[Sepang]] & [[Yong Peng]]<ref name=food5>[http://johorkaki.blogspot.com/2012/04/traditional-foochow-biscuits-eng-hin-in.html Traditional Foochow Biscuits @ Eng Hin in Yong Peng, Johor], Johor Kaki, 29 April 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref><ref name=food6>[http://masak-masak.blogspot.com/2007/02/fuzhou-bakery-and-noodle-maker-eng-hin.html Fuzhou Bakery and Noodle Maker @ Eng Hin Bakery, Yong Peng, Johor], Masak masak, 7 February 2007. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref> towns of Peninsular Malaysia where predominated by Fuzhou Clan, Fuzhou city of China<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lifeislikethat.com/?p=1595 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718121406/http://lifeislikethat.com/?p=1595 |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2009 |title=Fuzhou Snacks: Kompia |publisher=Lifeislikethat.com |access-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref>  and even far west to Jammu and Kashmir (Srinagar) of India also selling similar kind of bread like this.
* "'''Jin Tung Pian'''" : "conquer eastern bread", rather bigger size, soft and sweet taste.
* "'''Bien Nuik'''" : The local version of the "wan tan". In Fuzhou, called (扁肉燕).
* "'''Bek Ting Yuok'''" :  ‘Eight Precious Herbs’, the soup of eight essences - nice, sweet, tasty and nutritious Chinese soup made of at least eight types of Chinese herbal materials. Usually cooked with pork leg or duck. Known as Ba Zheng in Mandarin. In Sarikei, you can buy ‘Eight Precious Herbs’ which sold in packets in various combinations in Kiong Ann Tong Drug Store.<ref name=herb>[http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/27/sarikeis-long-link-to-international-trade/ Sarikei's long link to international trade], Borneo Post Online, 27 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2014</ref>
* "'''Tian Miang Ngu'''" : The rice slices soup, cooks with mu er (mushroom), minced pork balls and cuttlefish (octopus)slices. Best served with pepper, similar as Taiwan's 鼎邊銼. The soup stock is made using pork bones and dried squid.
* "'''Zhou Cai Hung Ngan'''" : Preserved mustard cooked with shark fillet rice noodles soup.
* "’'''Cantonese sweet and sour pork'''’" is made with vinegar, preserved plums and Sarikei's pineapple and sweet-sour taste.
(note: the names are rendered in the [[Fuzhou dialect]], which is often radically different from [[Standard Chinese]])

==Notable figures==
* [[Syarif Masahor]] (a famous [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] warrior of [[Hadhrami people|Hadhrami]] [[Cultural heritage|descent]])<ref>{{cite book|title=Power and Prowess: The Origins of Brooke Kingship in Sarawak|author=John H. Walker|publisher=[[University of Hawaii Press]]|year=2002|isbn=0-8248-2500-4|page=104}}</ref>
* Panglima [[Rentap]] (a [[Dayak people|Dayak]] ([[Iban people|Iban]]) rebel leader in [[Sarawak]], [[Malaysia]] during the [[James Brooke|Brooke]] [[White Rajah]] era)
* Tun [[Abang Haji Openg]] bin Sapiee (first Sarawak Governor or [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak]] (1963-1969); ex-student of St Anthony's School Sarikei)<ref name=ppl1>[http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/2012_04_01_archive.html History: Rajang Teachers' College - Teaching you a lesson], Sarikei Time Capsule, 1 April 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref>
* Syawe @ Siaw Ah Khoon 萧南坤 (An English speaking man in Sarikei in the 1920s)
* Y.B. Tan Sri Dato' Seri Law Hieng Ding (former Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment, member of parliament Sarikei from 1982 to 2008)
* YB Datuk David Teng Lung Chi (former Assistant Minister of Food Industries & Local Government)
* Lee Chai Fong 李采霞 (1980s pop star in the cassette era)
* Wong Tee Kue (former National Athlete, held the Malaysian record for [[hammer throw]] for 12 years and broke 2 [[SEA Games]] records)<ref name=ppl2>[http://sarikei-time-capsule.blogspot.com/2009/09/people-sarikei-sports-giant-wong-tee.html People - Sarikei Sports Giant, Wong Tee Kue], Sarikei Time Capsule, 18 September 2009. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref>
* [[Stella Chung]] Siaw Yih 钟晓玉 (Malaysian Singer/Artist)
* Nick Chung 钟盛忠 (Malaysian Singer/Artist, born in Sibu and grown in Sarikei)
* Mr. [[Ding Kuong Hiing]] (former MP of Sarikei, 2008-2013)
* Prof Dr Morshidi Sirat (5th Vice-Chancellor of [[Universiti Malaysia Sarawak|UNIMAS]] (1–16 April 2013);<ref name=ppl3>[http://www.unimas.my/en/headlines/100227-prof-dr-morshidi-sirat-dilantik-naib-canselor-unimas-yang-baharu-khaled.html Prof Dr Morshidi Sirat Dilantik Naib Canselor UNIMAS Yang Baharu - Khaled], Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 2 April 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref><ref name=ppl4>[http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/04/02/anak-jati-sarikei-dilantik-sebagai-naib-canselor-kelima-unimas/ Anak jati Sarikei dilantik sebagai naib canselor kelima UNIMAS], Borneo Post Online, 2 April 2013. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref> Former Higher Education Department director-general (retired, until June 2014)<ref name=ppl5>[http://www.nst.com.my/node/2181 Prof Dr Asma first woman appointed Higher Education D-G], New Straits Times Online, 13 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref>
* Mr. Wong Ling Biu (MP of Sarikei, 2013 till now)
* Jackie Wong Siew Cheer (National Athlete, broke the Malaysian record in Men's hammer record of 59.75m in Myanmar [[Athletics at the 2013 Southeast Asian Games – Men's hammer throw|SEA Games]] - Bronze)<ref>{{cite web|title=Hammer Throw Result|url=http://data4.seagamesmm.com/pdf/18667.pdf|publisher=www.data4.seagamesmm.com|date=15 December 2013|access-date=25 December 2013|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303205131/http://data4.seagamesmm.com/pdf/18667.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Grace Wong Xiu Mei (Athlete, broke the record with a distance of 55.82m in female's hammer throw in [[Perlis]] [[Sukma Games|SUKMA]] 2014 - Gold)<ref name=ppl6>[http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/06/01/amazing-grace-shatters-sukma-record-in-perlis Amazing Grace shatters Sukma record in Perlis], Borneo Post Online, 1 June 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2014</ref>

==Media==
Sarikei has been featured in several local and international TV programmes.

'''Documentaries'''
{| class="wikitable" align="centre"
 |-
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35" | Release date                    
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35"| Channel (Country) 
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35"| Programme
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35"| Topic of programme
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35"| Note
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | 20 December 2009 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | [[File:Astro 2016 logo.svg|40px]]   [[Astro AEC|AEC]] ([[Malaysia]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Malaysia, My Home<br />(家在马来西亚-沙巴与砂拉越华人故事) 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Ep.4 Pepper Town in Sarawak, Sarikei<br />(砂拉越胡椒之乡——泗里街)[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb5EJ0u0sVo]
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Story of Sarikei [[Chinese people|Chinese]]
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | 28 April 2012
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | [[File:Logo of TV1 (Malaysia).svg|40px|thumb)]]  [[TV1 (Malaysia)|TV1]] ([[Malaysia]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Selamat Pagi 1Malaysia 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Sana sini
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Introducing Ahim Giant Burger 1Malaysia
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | 4 June 2012 &<br />6 June 2012
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | [[File:Logo of TV1 (Malaysia).svg|40px|thumb]]  [[TV1 (Malaysia)|TV1]] ([[Malaysia]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Khabar [[1Malaysia]] 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Ep.1 & Ep.2
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Introducing Sarikei
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Feb 2014 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Jiangmen TV 江门台<br />[[China]] ([[Jiangmen]], [[Guangdong]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | The Overseas Wuyinese<br />(他乡五邑人)
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Ep.3 & Ep.4 泗里街上三江人
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Story of Sarikei [[Cantonese]]
|}

'''Dramas'''
{| class="wikitable" align="centre"
 |-
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35" | Release date
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35" | Channel (Country)
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35" | Name of drama
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35" | Cast
! colspan=1 align="center" height="35"| Note
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | 15 September 2012 (Premiere)<br /> 13 January 2013 (Repeat) <br />14 Jan 2013 (Repeat)  
| width="200" align="center" height="30" |   [[TVi (Malaysia)|TVi]] (Ch.180) ([[Malaysia]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Melodi Cinta Sarikei
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Farah Dhiya, Tony Eusoff, Norman Hakim, Chomell Fana, Livonia Ricky, Dato' Aziz Singah 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Telemovie
|-
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Estimate in November 2014
| width="200" align="center" height="30" |   [[TVi (Malaysia)|TVi]] (Ch.180) ([[Malaysia]])
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Iban Taiko 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | Danny Lang, Sharleyna, Stevenson, Bruce Walker 
| width="200" align="center" height="30" | 13-episode [[Iban people|Iban]] Language mini series<ref name=tv>[http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/16/fully-iban-language-mini-series-to-air-on-tvi/ Fully Iban-language mini series to air on TVi], Borneo Post Online, 16 July 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2014</ref> 
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=note}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Sarikei}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}

{{Sarawak}}
{{Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Populated places in Sarawak]]
[[Category:Sarikei District]]