View source for Sibu

{{other uses}}
{{Short description|Town in Sarawak, Malaysia}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Cebu City]], Philippines, [[Siabu]], or [[Sibiu]], Romania}}
{{use British English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{multiple issues|
{{travel guide|date=August 2021}}{{toomanyimages}}
}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Sibu
| official_name      = Sibu Town<br />{{nobold|Bandar Sibu}}
| settlement_type    = Town and [[List of capitals in Malaysia#District capitals|district capital]]
| nickname           = "Swan City"
| motto              = 
| image_skyline      = Sibu composite image.png
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = Clockwise from top right: Wong Nai Siong Memorial Garden, [[Jade Dragon Temple]], An-Nur Mosque, Masland Methodist church, [[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]], [[Wisma Sanyan]], and swan statue.
| image_flag         = Flag of Sibu.png
| image_seal         = Sibu Municipal Council official logo.svg
| seal_type          = 
| image_blank_emblem = 
| blank_emblem_type  = 
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=10|frame-latitude=2.2877778|frame-longitude=111.83083333333333}}
| map_caption        = Location of Sibu in Sarawak
| pushpin_map        = Malaysia Sarawak#Malaysia#Southeast Asia#Asia
| pushpin_mapsize    = 275px
| pushpin_map_caption = {{Legend inline|#800000|outline=black}} '''Sibu''' in {{Legend inline|#FEFEEF|outline=black}} '''[[Malaysia]]'''
| coordinates        = {{coord|02|17|16|N|111|49|51|E|region:MY|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[Malaysia]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|State]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Sarawak]]
| subdivision_type2  = Division
| subdivision_name2  = [[Sibu Division|Sibu]]
| subdivision_type3  = District
| subdivision_name3  = [[Sibu District|Sibu]]
| established_title  = Founded by [[James Brooke]]
| established_date   = 1862
| established_title1 = Settled by [[Wong Nai Siong]]
| established_date1  = 21 January 1901
| established_title2 = Municipality
| established_date2  = 1 November 1981
| government_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/08/23/clarence-tings-appointment-as-smc-chairman-hailed-by-many/ |title=Clarence Ting's appointment as SMC chairman hailed by many |date=23 August 2019 |website=The Borneo Post |access-date=25 September 2019}}</ref>
| government_type    = [[Sibu Municipal Council]]
| leader_title       = Chairman
| leader_name        = Clarence Ting Ing Horh
| leader_title1      = Resident
| leader_name1       = Abang Mohamad Porkan Abang Budiman
| total_type         = Sibu city
| area_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|title=History Of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)|publisher=Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812054635/http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 129.5
| area_blank1_title  = 
| area_blank1_km2    = 
| area_blank2_title  = 
| area_blank2_km2    = 
| area_note          = 
| elevation_m        = 0
| elevation_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floodmap.net/elevation/ElevationMap/?gi=1735902|title=Malaysia Elevation Map (Elevation of Sibu)|publisher=Flood Map : Water Level Elevation Map|access-date=22 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822160533/http://www.floodmap.net/elevation/ElevationMap/?gi=1735902|archive-date=22 August 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/data.pl?ref=N02E111+2100+96421W |publisher=WorldClimate |title=Sibu, Malaysia Weather History and Climate Data |access-date=14 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229164633/http://www.worldclimate.com/cgi-bin/data.pl?ref=N02E111%2B2100%2B96421W |archive-date=29 December 2004 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| elevation_max_footnotes = <ref name=Bukitaup/>
| elevation_max_m    = 59
| elevation_min_footnotes = <!-- for references: use<ref> tags -->
| elevation_min_m    = 
| population_footnotes = <ref name=localauthoritypopulation/>
| population_total   = 162,676
| population_as_of   = 2014<ref name="theborneopost.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/08/state-statistics-malays-edge-past-chinese-in-sarawak/ |title=State statistics: Malays edge past Chinese in Sarawak |access-date=15 April 2016 |publisher=[[The Borneo Post]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415063610/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/08/state-statistics-malays-edge-past-chinese-in-sarawak/ |archive-date=15 April 2016 }}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 1,256
| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- Leave blank. Value will be auto-converted. -->
| population_metro   = 240,165
| timezone1          = [[Malaysian Standard Time|MST]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Current local time in Sibu, Malaysia|url=http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=13515|website=worldtimezone.com|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708090756/http://www.worldtimezone.com/time/wtzresult.php?CiID=13515|archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
| utc_offset1        = +8
| timezone1_DST      = Not observed
| utc_offset1_DST    = +8
| postal_code_type   = [[List of postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code        = 96xxx<ref>{{cite web|title=Datasets Malaysia - Sibu|url=http://www.geopostcodes.com/Sibu|website=geopostcodes.com|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910043319/http://www.geopostcodes.com/Sibu|archive-date=10 September 2014 }}</ref>
| blank_name         = [[Telephone numbers in Malaysia|Area code(s)]]
| blank_info         = 084 (landline only)<ref>{{cite web|title=Page 58 Sarawak Visitors Guide 2014 - Sibu & Central Sarawak|url=http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/files/basic-html/page58.html|website=sarawak.gov.my|publisher=Sarawak State Government|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708092442/http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/files/basic-html/page58.html|archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Vehicle registration plates of Malaysia|Vehicle registration]]
| blank1_info        = QS {{small|(for all vehicles except taxis)}} <br /> HQ {{small|(for taxis only)}}<ref>{{cite news|last1=Soon|first1=Teh Wei|title=Some Little Known Facts On Malaysian Vehicle Registration Plates|url=http://malaysiandigest.com/features/546797-some-little-known-facts-on-malaysian-vehicle-registration-plates.html|access-date=8 July 2015|publisher=Malaysian Digest|date=23 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708091603/http://malaysiandigest.com/features/546797-some-little-known-facts-on-malaysian-vehicle-registration-plates.html|archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|http://www.smc.gov.my/}}
| footnotes          = <!-- for references: use<ref> tags -->
}}

'''Sibu''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|iː|b|u:}}) is a landlocked city located in the central region of [[Sarawak]], Malaysia. It serves as the capital of [[Sibu District]] within [[Sibu Division]] and is situated on the island of [[Borneo]]. Covering an area of {{convert|129.5|km2}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://coredev.fsktm.um.edu.my/opendocument.jsp?id=552|title=About Sibu - Today's Sibu Town|publisher= Collaborative Resource Development - Universiti Malaya|author= Shelley, Sii|date=10 April 2006|access-date=5 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205084118/http://coredev.fsktm.um.edu.my/opendocument.jsp?id=552|archive-date=5 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> the city is positioned at the confluence of the [[Rajang River|Rajang]] and [[Igan River]]s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu|url=http://global.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/542692/Sibu|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> approximately 60&nbsp;kilometres from the [[South China Sea]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Introducing Sibu|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> and {{convert|191.5|km|mi|0}} north-east of the state capital, [[Kuching]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Cheap flights from Sibu to Kuching|url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights-g298309-o1055332-Sibu_to_Kuching.html|website=Trip Advisor|access-date=5 February 2015}}</ref>

Sibu is characterised by its diverse population, with a significant portion being of Chinese descent, primarily from the [[Fuzhou]] region. While other ethnic groups such as [[Iban people|Iban]], [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]], and [[Melanau people|Melanau]] are also present, they are not as prominent in Sibu as in other parts of Sarawak.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/05Jadual_Mukim_negeri/Mukim_Sarawak.pdf|title=Total population by ethnic group, sub-district and state, Malaysia, 2010 (page 376)|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|access-date=5 January 2015|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|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2010, the city had a population of 162,676 residents.<ref name=localauthoritypopulation>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/03ringkasan_kawasan_PBT_Jadual1.pdf |title=Population Distribution by Local Authority Areas and Mukims, 2010 (page 3) |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |access-date=5 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205090002/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/03ringkasan_kawasan_PBT_Jadual1.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

The city's history dates back to its founding in 1862 by [[James Brooke]], who built a fort to protect against attacks by indigenous [[Dayak people]]. Subsequently, a small group of Chinese Hokkien settlers established themselves around the fort, engaging in various business activities. In 1901, [[Wong Nai Siong]] led a significant migration of 1,118 Fuzhou Chinese from [[Fujian province|Fujian]], China, to Sibu. Over time, infrastructure development took place, including the construction of the first hospital, Sibu bazaars, Methodist schools, and churches.

Sibu faced significant challenges in its history, enduring fires in 1889 and 1928 that destroyed the town. However, it was successfully rebuilt on both occasions. During the [[Second World War]], Sibu fell under Japanese occupation, resulting in a renaming of the city to "Sibu-shu" in August 1942. After the Japanese surrender in 1945, Sarawak became a British [[Crown Colony of Sarawak|Crown Colony]]. This led to unrest among young [[Melanau people|Melanau]] individuals in Sibu who were in favour of independence, culminating in the assassination of [[Duncan Stewart (British diplomat)|Sir Duncan George Stewart]], the second British governor of Sarawak, during his visit to Sibu in December 1949. The perpetrator, [[Rosli Dhoby]], was subsequently executed in 1950.

In the post-war period, Sibu and the Rajang basin became a center of communist activities, which continued even after Sarawak gained independence in 1963. The establishment of the Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) aimed to curb communist activities in the area, and the communist insurgency in Sarawak was eventually suppressed in 1973, coming to a complete end in 1990.

Sibu achieved municipality status in 1981 and received a royal visit in September 2001. Additionally, it has served as a gateway to the [[Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy]] (SCORE) since 2008. The city celebrated the 110th anniversary of the Fuzhou settlement in 2011.

Sibu serves as a prominent hub for tourism in the Upper [[Rajang River]] region, renowned for its scenic riverine towns and traditional [[longhouse]]s inhabited by the Iban and [[Orang Ulu]] ethnic groups. Noteworthy landmarks within the city include [[Wisma Sanyan]], recognised as the tallest edifice in Sarawak,<ref name="RowthornCohen2008"/> and [[Lanang Bridge]], acclaimed as one of the lengthiest river bridges in the state.<ref>{{cite news|title=Wong upholds transformation of Sungai Bidut via dialogue|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/01/26/wong-upholds-transformation-of-sungai-bidut-via-dialogue/|access-date=7 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=26 January 2015}}</ref> Sibu also features the largest town square in Malaysia, adjacent to Wisma Sanyan.<ref name="RowthornCohen2008">{{cite book|author1=Chris Rowthorn|author2=Muhammad Cohen|author3=China Williams|title=Borneo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vvXoC8F5Oq0C&pg=PA185|access-date=18 February 2011|date=1 June 2008|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=978-1-74059-105-8|pages=185–}}</ref> Of historical significance is the [[Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum]], distinguished as Malaysia's inaugural and sole medical-themed museum. Equally prominent is the Sibu Central Market, a sprawling indoor marketplace recognised as the largest of its kind in Sarawak. Tourist attractions in Sibu encompass the Sibu Heritage Centre, [[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]], Bawang Assan longhouses, Sibu Old Mosque, [[Jade Dragon Temple]], Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, and Bukit Lima Forest Park. The city also hosts vibrant cultural events such as the [[Borneo Cultural Festival]] (BCF) and the Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF). Economically, Sibu thrives on the [[Wood industry|timber]] and [[shipbuilding]] industries, which have historically been central to its economic landscape.

==Etymology==
Before 1873, Sibu was known as "Maling", a name derived from a bend in the Rajang River referred to as "Tanjung Maling". This bend was located opposite the present-day town of Sibu and near the confluence of the Igan and Rajang rivers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title=BORNEO BEATS: Sibu's big fuss|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F9%2F21%2Fsarawak%2F7065114|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708085420/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F9%2F21%2Fsarawak%2F7065114|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 July 2015|access-date=8 July 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=21 September 2010|quote=According to historical facts, Sibu was known as Maling before June 1, 1873. It was named after the winding portion of a river in Tanjung Maling located at the other side of Rejang River. Maling was a small village with a few small and simple shophouses.}}</ref> The area was named after this prominent geographical feature.

On 1 June 1873, under the administration of the [[Kingdom of Sarawak|Brooke family]], the third division of Sarawak was established. This division later became known as the [[Sibu Division]]. The name "Sibu" itself was derived from the native [[Pulasan]] fruit, which was abundant in the region. In the [[Iban language]], this fruit is known as "Buah Sibau". Consequently, the division was named after the Pulasan fruit, reflecting the rich natural resources and cultural significance of the area.<ref name=thelex>{{cite web|url=http://www.thelex.com/sibu/history.html|title=Early history of Sibu|publisher= thelex.com|date=2006|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206164730/http://www.thelex.com/sibu/history.html|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==History==

===Bruneian Empire===
In the 15th century, a historical event occurred{{clarify|date=October 2023}} in the region of southern Sarawak, which led to the displacement of immigrant [[Iban people|Iban communities]] towards what is now known as the Sibu region.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Rajang basin witnessed a series of tribal conflicts involving the Iban people and the indigenous populations residing in the same geographical area. These conflicts often resulted in skirmishes and confrontations.
At times the Iban groups would establish informal alliances with the Malay communities in the vicinity. These alliances were occasionally utilised for joint actions, such as launching attacks on the [[Kayan people (Borneo)|Kayan]] tribes inhabiting the region and conducting raids on passing Chinese and Indonesian vessels that traversed through this particular area.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ledesma|first1=Charles de|last2=Lewis|first2=Mark|last3=Savage|first3=Pauline|title=Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei|date=2003|publisher=Rough Guides|page=437|isbn=9781843530947|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hS0_GehsGPwC&q=Sultan+of+Brunei+Sibu&pg=PA437}}</ref>

===Kingdom of Sarawak (Brooke administration)===
[[File:Sir James Brooke (1847) by Francis Grant.jpg|left|thumb|140px|James Brooke built a fort in Sibu in 1862.]]
[[File:Sibu Fort (1862-1936).JPG|right|thumb|200px|A photo of Sibu Fort, taken between 1862 and 1908.]]
[[File:Sibu Bazaar (1900-1930).jpg|right|thumb|200px|The photo of Sibu bazaar, taken between 1900 and 1930.]]

[[James Brooke]] assumed control of Sarawak, now known as Kuching, in 1841 after acquiring the territory from the [[Bruneian Empire]].<ref name=thelex/> In 1853, Sarawak expanded its borders to incorporate the Sibu region,<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu District Office|url=http://sibudo.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/page.php?lang=en&id=27|website=Official website of Sibu District Office|access-date=13 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214033023/http://sibudo.sarawak.gov.my/modules/web/page.php?lang=en&id=27|archive-date=14 February 2015}}</ref> which at the time was a small village characterised by shophouses constructed with [[Nypa fruticans|atap]] roofs, wooden walls, and floors.<ref name=thelex/>

The earliest inhabitants of Sibu were the [[Melanau people]], followed by the influx of [[Iban people|Iban]] and [[ethnic Malays|Malay]] communities in the 1850s.<ref name="RowthornCohen2008"/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Ng|first1=Mae-V|title=Visit & an impression of Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia|url=http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Sibu/index.htm|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207073008/http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Sibu/index.htm|archive-date=7 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Laukinghowe>{{cite web|title=Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum - About Us|url=http://www.lkhhmm.org/history02.php|publisher=Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310084643/http://www.lkhhmm.org/history02.php|archive-date=10 March 2015}}</ref> Rajah Brooke, in 1862, oversaw the construction of Sibu Fort (commonly referred to as Fort Brooke), strategically situated at present-day Channel Road in Sibu. This fort played a pivotal role as an administrative center for the Brooke government in Sibu.<ref name=1998Sibu/> However, it was demolished in 1936.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ting|first1=Sik Kang, John|last2=Chua|first2=Chen Choon|title=Sibu Of Yesterday (Bilingual In Chinese And English)|date=2002|publisher=砂拉越华族文化协会 |isbn=9789839360325|url=http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.aspx?SBNum=052031|access-date=8 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708094013/http://www.selectbooks.com.sg/getTitle.aspx?SBNum=052031|archive-date=8 July 2015}}</ref>

It was customary for the [[White Rajah]] to erect such forts to assert territorial claims and provide protection.<ref name=streetnames>{{cite news|last1=Bakar|first1=Lamah|title=The story behind the state's streets and roads|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F3%2F1%2Fsarawak%2F8124293|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207131130/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F3%2F1%2Fsarawak%2F8124293|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 February 2015|access-date=7 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=1 March 2011}}</ref> The existence of Sibu Fort is substantiated by historical accounts which described its location and history:

{{quote|There is a fort in Sibu, as indeed there is at most of the river places in Sarawak...

The fort at Sibu was close to the Resident [[Charles Hose|Dr. Hose]]'s house and was attacked by Dayaks only a few years ago. Johnson, one of Dr. Hose's assistants, showed me a very long Dayak canoe capable of seating over one hundred men...

The river at Sibu was of great width, over a mile across, in fact, and close to the bank is a Malay village, and a bazaar where the wily Chinaman does a thriving trade in the wild produce of the country, and makes huge profits out of the Dayaks and other natives on this river.<ref name="gt">{{cite web|url=https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2564/pg2564-images.html|title=Wanderings Among South Sea Savages|author=H. Wilfrid Walke|date=1909|publisher=London Witherby & Co.|location=London|page=193|access-date=12 April 2008}}</ref>|Reported by H. Wilfrid Walke in 1909.}}

On 13 May 1870, the fort faced an attack by 3,000 [[Kanowit]] [[Dayak people|Dayaks]], led by a Dayak chief named Lintong (Mua-ri). They attempted to breach the fort's doors with axes but were eventually repelled by the Brooke administration.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Goud|first1=S.B|last2=Bampfyle|first2=C.A|title=A history of Sarawak under its two white Rajahs, 1839-1908|publisher=London H Sotheran|date=1909|location=London|pages=[https://archive.org/details/historyofsarawak00bari/page/323 323]–324|url=https://archive.org/details/historyofsarawak00bari|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref>

As per records from the Sarawak Gazette on 24 January 1871, Sibu boasted 60 wooden shops.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kiu|first1=Mee Kuok|title=The diffusion of Foochow settlement in Sibu-Binatang area Central Sarawak 1901-1970|date=1997|publisher=Sarawak Chinese Cultural Association|location=Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia|isbn=9839360078|url=http://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1070722|access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> In 1873, the town of Sibu was incorporated into the newly created third division of Sarawak.<ref name=thelex/>

The first Chinese settlers arrived in Sibu during the 1860s,<ref name=Laukinghowe/> with a group of Hokkien people constructing two rows of 40 shophouses around Sibu Fort.<ref name=1998Sibu>{{cite news|last1=Tawie|first1=Sulok|title=Sibu a paradise for gourmets, shoppers|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19981004&id=m1ZIAAAAIBAJ&pg=5494,3453951|access-date=14 February 2015|work=New Straits Times|date=4 October 1998}}</ref> These early Chinese settlers were a minority, primarily consisting of Kekhs and [[Min Nan]] individuals engaged in commerce. A small number of Chiang Chuan and [[Amoy dialect|Amoy]] people also settled in Sibu for commercial purposes.<ref name=thelex/>

By 1893, Munan anak Minggat and his followers arrived in Sibu, establishing a longhouse on Pulau Kerto, an island at the confluence of the [[Rajang River|Rajang]] and [[Igan River|Igan river]]s near Sibu. Munan was a loyal ally to the Brooke government and played a crucial role in suppressing Iban rebellions in the Upper Katibas and Lupar rivers during the 1860s and 1880s. In 1903, Munan became the first Iban to operate a rubber plantation in Kuching and subsequently invested the profits in shop-houses and lands in Sibu.<ref name=1998Sibu/>

However, on 10 February 1889, a devastating fire razed the town of Sibu, leading to a setback in its development.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fong|first1=Hon Kah|title=A history of the development of Rajang Basin in Sarawak|date=1996|publisher=Cultural Heritage Committee, Dewan Suarah Sibu|location=Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia|isbn=9839920715|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/23851222?selectedversion=NBD13404872|access-date=8 July 2015}}</ref> The first hospital in Sibu was established by the Brooke government in 1912, a wooden single-storey building featuring an outpatient department and male and female wards.<ref name=Laukinghowe/>

On 8 March 1928, Sibu faced another significant fire; however, the [[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]] miraculously survived, earning it local reverence.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title=Old photos bring Sibu folk down memory lane|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/08/21/old-photos-bring-sibu-folk-down-memory-lane/|access-date=8 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=21 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=discoversibu>{{cite web|title=Discovering Sibu Historical Attractions|url=http://blog.sarawaktourism.com/2012/09/discovering-sibu-historial-attractions.html|website=sarawaktourism.com|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208160356/http://blog.sarawaktourism.com/2012/09/discovering-sibu-historial-attractions.html|archive-date=8 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Guanyin>{{cite web|title=Tua Pek Kong Temple / Goddess of Mercy Pagoda|url=http://www.visitsibu.com/tua-pek-kong-temple/|website=visitsibu.com|access-date=8 February 2015}}</ref>

===Fuzhounese settlement===
[[File:Wong Nai-siong in 1911.jpg|left|140px|thumb|Wong Nai Siong]]
[[File:Reverend James Hoover in 1899.jpg|left|140px|thumb|James Hoover]]
[[File:New arrivals.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Arrival of Fuzhou Fujian Chinese immigrants in 1900]]
[[Wong Nai Siong]], a Christian scholar originally from [[Minqing County]], [[Fujian]], China, became acquainted with Sarawak and the White Rajahs through his son-in-law, Dr. Lim Boon Keng. Disillusioned by the [[Qing dynasty]]'s heavy-handed response during the [[Boxer Rebellion]], which specifically targeted [[Christianity in China|Chinese Christians]] for violence,<ref>{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Larry Clinton|title=William Scott Ament and the Boxer Rebellion: Heroism, Hubris, and the "Ideal Missionary"|year=2009|publisher=McFarland|location=Jefferson, NC|isbn=978-0-78645-338-2}}</ref> Wong embarked on a quest to find a new settlement overseas, with a focus on [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Ooi|first1=Keat Gin|title=AN ECONOMIC HISTORY OF SARAWAK DURING THE PERIOD OF BROOKE RULE, 1841-1946|date=March 1995|publisher=The University of Hull|location=Singapore|pages=47–48|url=http://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/2731572.pdf|access-date=19 July 2015|quote=However, events in the Chinese mainland at the turn of the century afforded Charles the opportunity to contract an agreement with one Chinese, a Fuzhounese Methodist, Wong Nai Siong, from Fujian Province. The political upheaval after the collapse of the so-called 'Hundred Days' reform movement (1898), followed by the Boxer uprising (1899-1900), which was particularly anti-foreign and anti-Christian in tone, were unsettling if not precarious for Chinese converts. Wong and his fellow Fuzhounese Methodists decided to emigrate to Sarawak, and thence 'New Fuzhou' was created around present-day Sibu.}}</ref> Prior to arriving in Sarawak, Wong explored other regions in [[Peninsular Malaysia|Malaya]] and [[Indonesia]] for potential settlement, albeit without success.<ref name=SibuUM>{{cite web|url=http://coredev.fsktm.um.edu.my/servlet/sreport.sReportShow?report_id=203&xslFile=papirus|title=Wong Nai Siong and Foochow in Sibu, Sarawak|publisher= Collaborative Resource Development - Universiti Malaya|author= Shelley, Sii|date=2006|access-date=6 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206163423/http://coredev.fsktm.um.edu.my/servlet/sreport.sReportShow?report_id=203&xslFile=papirus|archive-date=6 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

Wong obtained approval from [[Charles Brooke, Rajah of Sarawak|Charles Brooke]] to search for a new settlement in the Rajang basin. In April 1900, after a 13-day journey up the Rajang River, he decided to establish Sibu as the new settlement for his Fuzhounese clansmen, as the area near the Rajang delta was well-suited for agriculture.<ref name=thelex/> An agreement was formalised on 9 July 1900 between Wong Nai Siong and the Brooke government in Kuching, allowing Chinese settlers to inhabit the area.<ref name=thelex/><ref>{{cite book|author=Frank N. Pieke|title=Transnational Chinese: Fujianese migrants in Europe|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pKapHGcmeIEC&pg=PA40|access-date=18 February 2011|year=2004|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-4995-4|pages=40–}}</ref>

On 21 January 1901, the first group of 72 settlers arrived in Sibu and settled in the Sungai Merah area, hailing from [[Fuzhou]], [[Fujian]], located about 6&nbsp;km from the town of Sibu. The second batch of 535 settlers arrived on 16 March 1901, marking what is now known as "New Fuzhou Resettlement Day". In June 1901, a final group of 511 settlers joined them, bringing the total number of Fuzhounese settlers to 1,118.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=Wong a well-known authority on Chinese migration to South-East Asia|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F4%2F4%2Fsarawak%2F8400283|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708220311/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F4%2F4%2Fsarawak%2F8400283|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 July 2015|access-date=8 July 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=4 April 2011}}</ref>

Wong Nai Siong was appointed as the "Kang Choo" (港主, "port master") for the Fuzhounese settlement in Sibu. The settlers cultivated crops such as sweet potatoes, fruits, sugar cane, vegetables, and coarse grains in upland areas and rice in wetlands. Most of these settlers chose to remain in Sibu, considering it their new home. Collaborating with American pastor Reverend James Matthew Hoover, Wong and his associates were actively involved in the establishment of schools and churches in Sibu, including the Methodist church in 1902 and Ying Hua Methodist School at Sungai Merah in 1903.<ref name=thelex/><ref name=SibuUM/>

Between 1903 and 1935, Reverend James Hoover played a pivotal role in constructing 41 churches and 40 schools in Sibu.<ref name=Hoovermemorial>{{cite web|title=Hoover Memorial Square|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/hoover-memorial-square/|website=Sarawaktourism.com|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> In the interim, 676 Cantonese individuals arrived in Sibu between 1902 and 1917.<ref name=thelex/> However, in 1904, Wong opposed the proposed sale of [[opium]] and the construction of a casino in the Sibu area, initiatives put forth by the Brooke government. Subsequently, he faced expulsion by the Sarawak government due to an inability to repay debts. Wong and his family departed from Sibu in July 1904.<ref name=SibuUM/>

Following Wong's departure, Reverend James Hoover assumed responsibility for managing the Sibu settlement and introduced the first rubber seedlings to Sibu in 1904.<ref name=Hoovermemorial/> He erected a Methodist church in 1905, later renamed Masland Methodist Church in 1925.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=RM20m Masland Methodist Church Complex set to open in Sibu|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2009%2F8%2F15%2Fsouthneast%2F4499583&sec=southneast|access-date=7 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=15 August 2009|archive-date=7 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207172555/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2009%2F8%2F15%2Fsouthneast%2F4499583&sec=southneast|url-status=dead}}</ref> Hoover remained in the Rajang basin for an additional 31 years until his demise from malaria in 1935,<ref>{{cite book|title=Walk the land in Malaysia|publisher=theprovider.org.my|location=Shah Alam, Malaysia|pages=8–9|url=http://www.theprovider.org.my/WTL/pdf/en/14%20Sarawak_E.pdf|access-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> while the construction of Lau King Howe Hospital was completed in 1936 to cater to the growing population of Sibu. The hospital served the people of Sibu for 58 years until 1994 when a new hospital was built in Sibu.<ref name=Laukinghowe/>

[[File:1920 Sibu KMT meeting.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A 1920 [[Kuomintang]] meeting in Sibu]]
By 1919, the influence of the [[Chinese Civil War]] extended to Sarawak, with the [[Kuomintang]] establishing its initial branches in Sibu and Kuching. The then-reigning Rajah, Charles Brooke, opposed such political involvement by the local Chinese population and expelled several local Kuomintang leaders. However, his successor, [[Charles Vyner Brooke]], displayed a more receptive stance toward the activities of the local Chinese, who also engaged in fundraising to support the Kuomintang's resistance against Japanese invasion on the Chinese mainland.

Following the conclusion of [[World War II]], local Kuomintang leaders advocated for Sarawak's transfer to British control as a Crown Colony. This move encountered opposition from local communist leaders, leading to frequent clashes between the two factions. The Kuomintang branches in Sarawak were ultimately disbanded in 1949 when the party lost the Chinese Civil War to the [[Communist Party of China|Communist Party]] and retreated to [[Taiwan]]. Nevertheless, tensions and conflicts between the two groups persisted until 1955, with the colonial British government banning the Kuomintang's newspaper in May 1951, and the communist newspaper ceasing publication in 1955 due to financial difficulties.<ref>{{cite news|title=中国政情牵动东南亚侨界 - 砂华社两派斗争 (The China political situation has affected the Chinese in South East Asia - The clashes between the two factions of Sarawak Chinese|url=http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau32.htm|access-date=9 February 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=20 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209124444/http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau32.htm|archive-date=9 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Japanese occupation===
{{main|Japanese occupation of British Borneo}}
[[File:1942 Japanese generals in Sibu2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A photo was taken with Japanese generals and the new Resident of Third Division after Sibu was renamed to "Sibu-shu".]]
During [[World War II]], Japanese forces initiated their invasion of the region by landing in [[Miri, Malaysia|Miri]] on 16 December 1941. Subsequently, they conquered Kuching on 24 December. On 25 December, Sibu experienced an air raid by nine Japanese warplanes that had flown from Kuching. Concerned about the impending invasion of Sibu, Andrew MacPherson, the Resident of the Third Division, made the decision to evacuate with his officers to the upstream area of the Rajang River. Their plan was to traverse through Batang Ai and navigate through the dense forests to reach [[Dutch Borneo]]. Unfortunately, they were apprehended and killed by Japanese forces at Ulu Moyan in Sarawak.<ref name=Sibufell>{{cite news|title=沦陷岁月 (The years that Sarawak fell to Japanese, part 2)|url=http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau22.htm|access-date=9 February 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=6 June 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209124615/http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau22.htm|archive-date=9 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On the evening of 26 December 1941, chaos erupted in Sibu as local residents began looting an unguarded government rice storeroom. This unrest extended beyond mere looting, with villagers residing along the Rajang River also partaking in thefts of daily necessities. The situation rapidly spiraled out of control, resulting in significant damage to the British [[Sime Darby]] company, [[Borneo Company Limited]], and Chinese businessmen who became victims of these riots. In an attempt to restore order, Chinese businessmen in the region banded together to form a security alliance.

To address the growing disorder, an advance team from Japan arrived in Sibu on 29 January 1942, after being summoned from Kuching. However, this team eventually fled Sibu and returned to Kuching. Consequently, a power vacuum persisted in the third division until 23 June 1942, when the Japanese headquarters in Kuching appointed Senda Nijiro as the new Resident of the Third Division of Sarawak. Upon assuming office, Senda Nijiro declared that the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] would assume complete control over people's lives and property in the region. On 8 August 1942, Sibu was officially renamed "Sibu-shu".<ref name=Sibufell/>

The Japanese authorities began to impose heavy taxes on the Chinese population and initiated a [[Sook Ching]] operation to identify suspected anti-Japanese individuals. Some Chinese individuals, under extreme torture, provided false lists of names of supposed anti-Japanese groups. Tragically, these lists led to the wrongful execution of innocent individuals at the Bukit Lima execution ground, while others were incarcerated in a prison in Kapit.<ref>{{cite news|title=沦陷岁月 (The years that Sarawak fell to Japanese, part 4)|url=http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau24.htm|access-date=9 February 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=6 June 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209141653/http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau24.htm|archive-date=9 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===British Crown Colony===
{{Main|Rosli Dhobi}}
[[File:Rosli Dhoby.jpg|right|thumb|140px|Rosli Dhobi]]
Following the end of the Japanese occupation of Sarawak in 1945, [[Charles Vyner Brooke]], the last Rajah of Sarawak, made the decision to cede the state to become part of the British [[Crown Colony of Sarawak|crown colony of Sarawak]]. This proposal faced significant opposition from the local population, leading to the emergence of the [[anti-cession movement of Sarawak|anti-cession movement in Sarawak]].

One prominent figure in the anti-cession movement was [[Rosli Dhobi]], a Sarawak nationalist hailing from Sibu and a member of the Malay Youth Movement (Gerakan Pemuda Melayu). The primary objective of this movement was to secure Sarawak's independence from British colonial rule.

At the young age of 17, Rosli carried out the assassination of [[Duncan Stewart (British diplomat)|Sir Duncan George Stewart]], the second governor of colonial Sarawak, on 3 December 1949. This act was a reflection of his strong commitment to the anti-cession cause.

Rosli, along with three of his accomplices, namely Awang Ramli Amit, Bujang Suntong, and Morshidi Sidek, were subsequently tried and sentenced to death by hanging. On 2 March 1950, they were buried at the Kuching Central Prison.<ref name=discoversibu/>

In recognition of their role in the anti-colonial movement against the British, Rosli Dhobi and his associates were later given a full state funeral by the Sarawak state government.<ref>{{YouTube|gCaDHtf7Em8|Rosli Dhoby - Pejuang Atau Pembunuh 4/5 (Rosli Dhoby - A patriotic fighter or a murderer? Part 4 of 5)}} [[Astro Prima]]. URL assessed on 8 February 2013</ref> Their remains were relocated from the Kuching Central Prison and interred at the Sarawak Heroes Mausoleum near the Sibu Town Mosque on 2 March 1996.<ref name=discoversibu/>

===Communist insurgency===
{{Main|Sarawak Communist Insurgency}}
In the early 1950s, influenced by the establishment of the [[People's Republic of China]] in 1949, communist members in Sibu began to establish a presence in Sarawak. Huang Sheng Zi from [[Bintangor, Sarawak|Bintangor]] became the president of the Borneo Communist Party (BCP), and BCP activities were concentrated in areas such as Sibu, [[Sarikei]], and Bintangor. Huang Zeng Ting, another communist and Huang Sheng Zi's brother, played a significant role in the formation of Sarawak's first political party, the [[Sarawak United Peoples' Party]] (SUPP), becoming its first executive secretary.<ref>{{cite news|title=砂劳越解放同盟(上) (Sarawak Liberation League (part 1)|url=http://intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau40.htm|access-date=11 February 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=8 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317132115/http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau40.htm|archive-date=17 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1954, the Sarawak Liberation League (SLL) was formed following the consolidation of the BCP with several other communist organisations.<ref>{{cite news|title=砂劳越解放同盟(下) (Sarawak Liberation League (part 2)|url=http://intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau41.htm|access-date=11 February 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=29 August 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317085414/http://www.intimes.com.my/write-html/06bau41.htm|archive-date=17 March 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The spread of communism in Sibu was facilitated by student movements in schools like Chung Hua Secondary School, Catholic High School, and Wong Nai Siong High School. Communist strongholds in Sibu were notably located at Oya Road and Queensway (now Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg). The movement also received support from the [[intelligentsia]] and workers in Sibu. Dr. Wong Soon Kai, for example, supported the movement by providing free medication.<ref name=NorthKalimantan/> Villagers in Kampung Tanjung Kunyit were among those pressured to supply food and medical provisions to the communists.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Dennis|title=Communists harassed villagers for food|url=http://www2.nst.com.my/nation/communists-harassed-villagers-for-food-1.586435|access-date=10 March 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310133328/http://www2.nst.com.my/nation/communists-harassed-villagers-for-food-1.586435|archive-date=10 March 2015}}</ref>

In March 1971, the communists initiated an anti-pornography campaign, and in early 1973, they launched another campaign opposing tax increases and price inflation while advocating for higher wages for workers. Communist volunteers distributed pamphlets at various locations, including shophouses, schools, and the wharf terminal. They also engaged in military operations against police stations and naval bases,<ref name=NorthKalimantan>{{cite web|title=北加里曼丹革命四十年 - 第十三章第三节: 诗巫市革命斗争的发展 (North Kalimantan 40 years of revolution - Chapter 13 Section 2: Sibu town revolutionary development)|url=http://www.of21.com/files/pdf/borneo.pdf|website=21 老友 (of21.com a.k.a. oldfriends21.com)|pages=99–102|publisher=of21.com|access-date=11 February 2015}}</ref> resorting to extreme measures such as beheading suspected government informants. The town of Sibu experienced on-and-off 24-hour curfews for several months.<ref>{{cite news|title=Communist Guerillas Push Government into Campaign in Borneo's Towns, Jungles|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1876&dat=19710902&id=kX4sAAAAIBAJ&pg=7363,243964&hl=en|access-date=22 June 2015|publisher=[[Spartanburg Herald-Journal]]|date=2 September 1971}}</ref>

On 25 March 1973, the Sarawak government, led by Chief Minister [[Abdul Rahman Ya'kub]], began cracking down on communist activities in the Rajang basin by establishing the "Rajang Special Security Area". A day later, the Rajang Security Command (RASCOM) was formed through the cooperation of civil, military, and police command headquarters.<ref>{{cite news|title=ESSCOM: Learning from Sarawak's experience|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/84181|access-date=16 February 2015|publisher=Sin Chew Jit Poh|date=17 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216140132/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/84181|archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Genta|first1=Florence|title=Recognising Rascom's roles|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/6699/Recognising-Rascoms-roles/|access-date=16 February 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216140250/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/6699/Recognising-Rascoms-roles/|archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> By August 1973, several communist members had been captured, and these individuals provided crucial information that further weakened the communist movement.

On 22 September 1973, Abdul Rahman initiated "Operation Judas", resulting in the capture of 29 people from the town of Sibu, including doctors, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, and one former member of parliament.<ref>{{cite news|title=58 admits having ties with Reds|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19731011&id=CVUuAAAAIBAJ&pg=1330,3974694&hl=en|access-date=20 September 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=11 October 1973}}</ref> Following the surrender of a communist movement in [[Simanggang|Sri Aman]] on 21 October 1973, communist activities in the Rajang basin began to decline and never fully recovered their previous strength. The communist movement in Sarawak finally came to an end in 1990.<ref name=NorthKalimantan/>

===Recent developments===
[[File:Swan statue at the Rajang Esplanade.JPG|left|thumb|150px|Swan as a symbol of Sibu.]]
[[File:Wisma Sanyan side view.png|right|thumb|[[Wisma Sanyan]] in Sibu.]]
On 1 November 1981, the local council which administered the town of Sibu (Sibu Urban District Council) was upgraded to [[Sibu Municipal Council]]. The area of administration of Sibu expanded from 50&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> to 129.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name=SMCHistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|title=History Of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)|date=29 August 2014|website=Official Website of Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812054635/http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1994, [[Sibu Airport]]<ref name=uticket>{{cite web|title=Cheap flights to Sibu (SBW)|url=http://www.utiket.com.my/en/flights/to-sibu-sbw.html|website=uticket|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211152853/http://www.utiket.com.my/en/flights/to-sibu-sbw.html|archive-date= 11 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Sibu Hospital]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Mengenai Hospital (About the hospital)|url=http://hsibu.moh.gov.my/hsb.bm/about-us/|website=moh.gov.my|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211153139/http://hsibu.moh.gov.my/hsb.bm/about-us/|archive-date= 11 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> were constructed. In 2001, [[Wisma Sanyan]]<ref>{{cite web|title=JKKN Sabah Complex, the new landmark building of Sabah|url=http://www.jkkn.gov.my/en/jkkn-sabah-complex-new-landmark-building-sabah|website=jkkn.gov.my|access-date=11 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211153340/http://www.jkkn.gov.my/en/jkkn-sabah-complex-new-landmark-building-sabah|archive-date= 11 February 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> construction was completed. [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]] of Malaysia, [[Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah]] visited Sibu from 16 to 17 September 2001 to close a month-long [[Independence Day (Malaysia)|Malaysian Independence Day Celebration]] at Sibu Town Square.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sibu residents have fond memories of royal visit|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=20011123&id=YCwhAAAAIBAJ&pg=3997,1465454|access-date=2 March 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=23 November 2001}}</ref>

Between 1999 and 2004, [[Sibu Municipal Council]] decided to adopt the swan as a symbol of Sibu to inspire the people to work towards the goal of becoming a city in the future.<ref name=Swanmascot>{{cite web|title=Sibu Mascot|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?lang=en&mod=webpage&sub=page&id=101&menu_id=0&sub_id=83|website=Sibu Municipal Council official website|access-date=14 February 2015}}</ref> Since then, a Swan statue has been erected near the Sibu wharf terminal and another statue is located in the town centre.<ref name="RowthornCohen2008"/> Sibu is also nicknamed as "Swan City". This came from a legend where famine in Sibu ended when a flock of swans flew through the skies of Sibu. There is another story where the Sibu Chinese immigrants regarded Sibu [[Melanau]] people as "Go" people because a staple food of Melanau staple food was "[[Sago]]".

In 2006, the [[Lanang Bridge]] connecting Sibu to Sarikei was opened. Sibu also functions as the gateway to [[Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy]] (SCORE). The town of Sibu and its surrounding areas has been the subject of several developmental projects since 2008.<ref>{{cite news|title=Taib: Sibu set to progress with Score|url=http://www2.nst.com.my/nation/taib-sibu-set-to-progress-with-score-1.45501|access-date=20 February 2015|agency=Bernama|date=12 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220023553/http://www2.nst.com.my/nation/taib-sibu-set-to-progress-with-score-1.45501|archive-date=20 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=RM1 Billion Sibujaya Township To Be Completed By 2023|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=644215&cat=sre|access-date=20 February 2015|work=Bernama|date=7 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220025334/http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=644215&cat=sre|archive-date=20 February 2015}}</ref> In 2011, the 110th anniversary of Fuzhou settlement was celebrated in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|title=Foochows mark 110th anniversary in Sibu|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/18/foochows-mark-110th-anniversary-in-sibu/|access-date=15 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=18 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315141455/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/18/foochows-mark-110th-anniversary-in-sibu/|archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref> However, Sibu's population growth and economic development is relatively slow when compared to [[Miri, Malaysia|Miri]] and [[Bintulu]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Elections in Sibu|url=http://aliran.com/thinking-allowed-online/ta-online/elections-in-sibu/|access-date=13 March 2015|publisher=Aliran|date=18 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909232205/http://aliran.com/thinking-allowed-online/ta-online/elections-in-sibu/|archive-date=9 September 2014}}</ref>

In September 2023, Sibu had the honour of hosting a two-day visit from the 16th [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]] [[Abdullah of Pahang|Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah]] and [[Raja Permaisuri Agong]] [[Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah]] as part of their Kembara Kenali Borneo tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/09/11/yang-di-pertuan-agong-raja-permaisuri-agong-arrive-in-sibu|title=Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Raja Permaisuri Agong arrive in Sibu|date=11 September 2023|accessdate=16 February 2024|first=Conny|last=Banji|publisher=[[The Borneo Post]]}}</ref> This marked the second royal visit to Sibu.

==Government==
[[File:Sibudivisiondistrict en.svg|right|thumb|300px|Administrative districts of [[Sibu Division]]]]
Sibu is represented by two [[Dewan Rakyat|members of parliament]] (MPs) who oversee the town's two [[List of Malaysian electoral districts#Sarawak|parliamentary federal constituencies]]: [[Lanang (federal constituency)|Lanang]] and [[Sibu (federal constituency)|Sibu]]. Additionally, the town elects five representatives to the [[Sarawak State Legislative Assembly]], each representing a specific constituency: [[Bukit Assek (state constituency)|Bukit Assek]], [[Dudong (state constituency)|Dudong]], [[Bawang Assan (state constituency)|Bawang Assan]], [[Pelawan (state constituency)|Pelawan]], and [[Nangka (state constituency)|Nangka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/politik/1637-senarai-bahagian-bahagian-pilihan-raya-parlimen-dan-dun-setiap-negeri-negeri.html |title=List of Parliamentary Elections Parts and State Legislative Assemblies On Every States |publisher=Ministry of Information Malaysia |access-date=19 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518200007/http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/politik/1637-senarai-bahagian-bahagian-pilihan-raya-parlimen-dan-dun-setiap-negeri-negeri.html |archive-date=18 May 2014 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

===Local authorities===
[[File:Islamic Complex at Sibu, Sarawak.JPG|left|thumb|Sibu Islamic Complex]]
Sibu's local council traces its origins back to 31 January 1925, during the [[Raj of Sarawak|Brooke administration]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=46&menu_id=0&sub_id=64|title= History of Sibu Municipal Board |date=29 August 2014 |website=Official Website of Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=7 September 2014}}</ref> It was later upgraded to Sibu Urban District Council (SUDC) in 1952.<ref name=SUDCHistory>{{cite web|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=47&menu_id=0&sub_id=65|title=History of Sibu Urban District Council (SUDC)|date=29 August 2014|website=Official Website of Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812152614/http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=47&menu_id=0&sub_id=65|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initially established, it evolved into the Sibu Urban District Council (SUDC) in 1952. After nearly three decades of operation, SUDC underwent further development, culminating in its upgrade to the [[Sibu Municipal Council]] (SMC) on 1 November 1981.

SMC assumes authority over the town, overseeing a jurisdiction spanning 129.5&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>, extending from the banks of the [[Rajang River]] to the uptown area along Jalan Salim.<ref name="SMCHistory"/> Initially headquartered within the Sibu Town Hall from 1962 to 2000, SMC later relocated to [[Wisma Sanyan]] in 2001.<ref name=oldtownhall>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=Old Sibu Town Hall building getting a new lease of life|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2010%2F1%2F29%2Fsouthneast%2F5522366&sec=southneast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150212135017/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2010%2F1%2F29%2Fsouthneast%2F5522366&sec=southneast|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 February 2015|access-date=12 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=29 January 2010}}</ref> The current chairman of SMC is Clarence Ting Ing Horh.<ref name=SMCHistory/>

Beyond the town centre, peripheral areas like [[Sibu Jaya]] and the [[Selangau District|district of Selangau]] fall under the administration of the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), which manages a vast territory covering 6,000&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>. Both SMC and SRDC are headquartered within Wisma Sanyan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srdc.gov.my/latarbelakang.html|title=Background|publisher=Sibu Rural District Council|date=2014|website=The official website of Sibu Rural District Council|access-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121220155743/http://www.srdc.gov.my/latarbelakang.html|archive-date=20 December 2012}}</ref>

Furthermore, Sibu's administrative landscape expanded with the inauguration of the Sibu Islamic Complex in September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title=Sarawak on a high|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/24/Sarawak-on-a-high-State-is-now-the-third-most-developed-thanks-to-close-cooperation/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209081253/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/24/Sarawak-on-a-high-State-is-now-the-third-most-developed-thanks-to-close-cooperation/|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 December 2014|access-date=12 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=24 September 2014}}</ref> This complex serves as the home to various governmental bodies, including the Sibu Resident Office, Sibu District Office, State Treasury Office, Social Welfare Department, and the State Islamic Religious Department (JAIS).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Genta|first1=Florence|title=Hallmark of Muslim Unity|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/35644/Hallmark-of-Muslim-unity/|access-date=16 March 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316131153/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/35644/Hallmark-of-Muslim-unity/|archive-date=16 March 2015}}</ref>

===International relations===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Malaysia#Sibu|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in Malaysia}}
As of 2015, Sibu is [[twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] to fifteen places in China:<ref name=Jintang>{{cite news|title=诗巫市与四川金堂县结成友好城市 (Sibu built a sister city relationship with Jintang County of Sichuan province|url=http://www.intimes.com.my/index.php/2013-09-08-02-08-40/item/19603-2015-04-30-00-25-54|access-date=20 July 2015|publisher=国际时报 [International Times (Sarawak)]|date=30 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720161342/http://www.intimes.com.my/index.php/2013-09-08-02-08-40/item/19603-2015-04-30-00-25-54|archive-date=20 July 2015 |language=zh}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
* [[Bozhou]], China<ref>{{cite news|last1=显锋|first1=陈|title=我市友好城市和友好交流城市发展到8个国家9个城市 (Our city has expanded friendly and friendly-exchange cities to 8 countries and 9 cities)|url=http://www.bozhou.gov.cn/content/detail/52933276ac4eef76e1ff0c69.html|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=安徽省亳州市人民政府 (Bozhou Municipal People's Government)|date=6 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314082925/http://www.bozhou.gov.cn/content/detail/52933276ac4eef76e1ff0c69.html|archive-date=14 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Fuqing]], China<ref name=Fuzhouunitedfront/><ref name=Fuzhoumunicipal/>
* [[Fuzhou]], China<ref>{{cite news|title=张泰卿吁两地商家 展销会中寻商机 (Tiong Thai King called on merchants from both sides to find opportunities in business fairs |url=http://www.uniteddaily.com.my/?q=node/74379 |access-date=14 March 2015 |publisher=[[United Daily News]] |date=22 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314075330/http://www.uniteddaily.com.my/?q=node%2F74379 |archive-date=14 March 2015 |language=zh |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Guangning County]], China<ref>{{cite news|title=肇庆广宁县与马来西亚诗巫市缔结友好关系 (Zhaoqing Guangning city built a sister city relationship with Malaysian city of Sibu)|url=http://news.163.com/11/1020/17/7GQV69J900014JB6.html?f=jsearch|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=网易新闻 (NetEase News)|date=20 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314083902/http://news.163.com/11/1020/17/7GQV69J900014JB6.html?f=jsearch|archive-date=14 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
||
* [[Gulou District, Fuzhou]], China<ref name=Fuzhouunitedfront/><ref name=Fuzhoumunicipal/>
* [[Gutian County]], China<ref>{{cite web|title=古田县政府率企业赴马来西亚诗巫市参加展销会 (Gutian County government brought enterprises to participate in trade fairs at Malaysian city of Sibu)|url=http://www.gutian.gov.cn/gtzfw/xxgk/bmdt/webinfo/2014/05/1395325926577299.htm|publisher=福建省古田县人民政府 (Gutian County People's Government)|access-date=14 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314081715/http://www.gutian.gov.cn/gtzfw/xxgk/bmdt/webinfo/2014/05/1395325926577299.htm|archive-date=14 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Jintang County]], China<ref name=Jintang/>
* [[Minqing County]], China<ref>{{cite web|title=马来西亚诗巫福州十邑巡访团到闽清县考察 (Malaysian Sibu delegates visited Minqing County)|url=http://tzb.fuzhou.gov.cn/tpxw/201103/t20110315_415482.htm|publisher=中共福州市委统战部 (CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee United Front Work Department)|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303221747/http://tzb.fuzhou.gov.cn/tpxw/201103/t20110315_415482.htm|archive-date=3 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
||
* [[Nanping]], China<ref>{{cite news|title=福建南平与大马诗巫市签署缔结友好城市意向书 (Fujian Nanping city signed a letter of sister city relationship with Malaysian Sibu)|url=http://www.chinanews.com/qxcz/2012/06-04/3937426.shtml|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=China News|date=4 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613081437/http://www.chinanews.com/qxcz/2012/06-04/3937426.shtml|archive-date=13 June 2012|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Ningde]], China<ref name=Fujianprovince>{{cite web|title=福建省与国外友城关系一览表 (List of Fujian province and foreign sister cities relationships) |url=http://www.fjfao.gov.cn/yhxh/201006/t20100630_515420.htm |publisher=福建省人民政府外事办公室 (Foreign Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government) |access-date=2 March 2015 |date=21 April 2014 |language=zh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161111/http://www.fjfao.gov.cn/yhxh/201006/t20100630_515420.htm |archive-date=26 August 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Pingnan County, Fujian|Pingnan County]], China<ref name=Fuzhouunitedfront>{{cite web|title=马来西亚诗巫福州十邑巡访团来榕访问 (Malaysian Sibu Fuzhou delegates visited Fuzhou city)|url=http://tzb.fuzhou.gov.cn/gzdt/201103/t20110321_416528.htm|publisher=中共福州市委统战部 (CPC Fuzhou Municipal Committee United Front Work Department)|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302102016/http://tzb.fuzhou.gov.cn/gzdt/201103/t20110321_416528.htm|archive-date=2 March 2015|date=26 February 2011|language=zh}}</ref><ref name=Fuzhoumunicipal>{{cite web|title=马来西亚诗巫市 (Malaysian city of Sibu)|url=http://www.fuzhou.gov.cn/zfb/xxgk/zjrc/yhwl/gjyhcs/201301/t20130107_649372.htm|publisher=福州市人民政府 (Fuzhou Municipal People's Government)|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303221728/http://www.fuzhou.gov.cn/zfb/xxgk/zjrc/yhwl/gjyhcs/201301/t20130107_649372.htm|archive-date=3 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Putian]], China<ref name=Fujianprovince/>
||
* [[Puyang County]], China<ref>{{cite news|title=濮阳县与马来西亚诗巫市缔结友好城市 (Puyang County built a sister city relationship with Malaysian city of Sibu)|url=http://www.zhangxingshizu.com/html/?166.html|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=中国濮阳张姓研究会 (China Puyang Zhang Research)|date=19 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314083902/http://news.163.com/11/1020/17/7GQV69J900014JB6.html?f=jsearch|archive-date=14 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Qinghe County, Hebei]], China<ref>{{cite news|title=清河与马来西亚诗巫市正式缔结友好县市关系 (Qinghe County built an official sister city relationship with Malaysian Sibu city|url=http://www.xingtai.gov.cn/gkgl/jrxt/xtgk/qhx/201307/t20130717_91882.html|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=邢台市人民政府办公室 (Xingtai Municipal People's Government Office)|date=17 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314080545/http://www.xingtai.gov.cn/gkgl/jrxt/xtgk/qhx/201307/t20130717_91882.html|archive-date=14 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref>
* [[Wuyishan, Fujian]], China<ref>{{cite web|title=武夷山市与马来西亚诗巫市互结为友好城市 (Wuyishan built a sister city relationship with Malaysian Sibu city)|url=http://www.wuyishan.net/html/news/7199.html|website=wuyishan.net|access-date=20 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324114926/http://wuyishan.net/html/news/7199.html|archive-date=24 March 2015 |date=17 November 2014|language=zh}}</ref>
|}

==Geography==
Sibu is located near the Rajang delta at the confluence of Rajang and Igan rivers. [[Peat swamp forests]] and [[alluvial plains]] are particularly prevalent in the [[Sibu Division]].<ref>{{cite web|title=About Sarawak Geography|url=http://www.spu.sarawak.gov.my/geography.html|website=State Planning Unit - Sarawak chief minister department|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925021324/http://www.spu.sarawak.gov.my/geography.html|archive-date=25 September 2013}}</ref> Sibu is located on a deep peat soil, which has caused problems in infrastructure development because buildings and roads [[subsidence|slowly sink into the ground]] after its completion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu exploring possible projects on peat soil |url=http://www.uthm.edu.my/v2/content/view/443/251/lang,en/ |website=Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia |publisher=The Borneo Post |access-date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216142551/http://www.uthm.edu.my/v2/content/view/443/251/lang%2Cen/ |archive-date=16 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The location of Sibu in lowland peat swamps have subjected it to frequent floods, about 1 to 3 times per year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chong|first1=Pek Sian|title=But who cares whether Sibu is really sinking?|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1295&dat=19860327&id=_dNHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6492,3180843&hl=en|access-date=21 September 2015|publisher=New Sunday Times|date=27 March 1986}}</ref><ref name=mir>{{cite web|title=Past, Present, & Future of Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia|url=http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Sibu/index1.htm|website=mir.com.my|publisher=Malaysian Internet Resources|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207184336/http://www.mir.com.my/leofoo/Sibu/index1.htm|archive-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> Because of these factors, the Sibu Flood Mitigation project was started to relieve the area from the floods.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boon|first1=Peter|title=Flood mitigation project a success – Minister|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/02/13/flood-mitigation-project-a-success-minister/|access-date=19 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date= 13 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219162206/http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/02/13/flood-mitigation-project-a-success-minister/|archive-date=19 February 2015 }}</ref> The highest elevation in Sibu is at Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, measuring 59 m above sea level.<ref name=Bukitaup/>

===Climate===
Sibu has a [[tropical rainforest climate]] according to the [[Köppen climate classification]]. The Sibu town has high temperatures of {{convert|30|-|33|C|F}} and low temperatures of {{convert|22.5|-|23|C|F}}. Annual rainfall is approximately {{convert|3200|mm|in}},<ref name=WMO>{{cite web|url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/en/city.html?cityId=90|title=Sibu, Malaysia|publisher=World Meteorological Organisation|access-date=14 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023035538/http://worldweather.wmo.int/020/c00090.htm|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> with relative humidity between 80 and 87%.<ref name=uniten>{{cite journal|last1=Jakhrani|first1=A.Q|last2=Othman|first2=A.K|last3=Rigit|first3=A.R.H|last4=Samo|first4=S.R|title=Assessment of Solar and Wind Energy Resources at Five Typical Locations in Sarawak|journal=Journal of Energy and Environment|date=2012|volume=4|issue=1|pages=1–6|url=http://journal.uniten.edu.my/ojs3/index.php/jee/article/view/281/117|access-date=16 February 2015|publisher=Universiti Tenaga Nasional}}</ref> Sibu receives between 4 and 5 hours of sunlight per day<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction to solar energy - solar radiation in Sarawak|url=http://www.sarawakenergy.com.my/index.php/r-d/solar-energy|publisher=[[Sarawak Energy]]|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104191305/http://www.sarawakenergy.com.my/index.php/r-d/solar-energy|archive-date=4 January 2015}}</ref> with yearly average daily values of global solar radiation of 15.2 MJ/m<sup>2</sup>. Cloud cover over Sibu reduces during the months of June and July (6.75 [[Oktas]]) but increases from November to February (7 Oktas).<ref name=uniten/>

{{Sibu weatherbox}}

==Demographics==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="175" style="font-size:88%; line-height:130%">
File:Masland Methodist Church, Sibu.JPG|Masland Methodist Church
File:Chinese style temple at Jade Dragon Temple.jpg|[[Jade Dragon Temple]]
File:An-Nur Mosque.JPG|An-Nur Mosque
</gallery>
The change in Sibu's population since 1947 is shown below:
:{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
! Year
| 1947 || 1960 ||1970 || 1980 || 1991 || 2000 || 2010
|-
! Total<br />population
| 9,983<ref name=SUDChistory>{{cite web|title=History of Sibu Urban District Council (SUDC)|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=47&menu_id=0&sub_id=65|website=Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812152614/http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=47&menu_id=0&sub_id=65|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=BRB1987>{{cite web|last1=Victor|first1=T. King|title=Borneo Research Bulletin - vol 19 no 1|url=http://www.borneoresearchcouncil.org/BRB%20PDF%20scans/BRB_1987_19_01.pdf|publisher=Borneo Research Council|access-date=14 February 2015|date=April 1987}}</ref> || 29,630<ref name=SUDChistory/> || 49,298<ref name=wtwybintulu>{{cite web|title=Sarawak's Industrial City - Bintulu|url=http://www.wtwy.com/files/reports/spb-vol2-issue-2.pdf|publisher=CH Williams Talhar Yong & Yeo Sdn. Bhd|access-date=9 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609121507/http://www.wtwy.com/files/reports/spb-vol2-issue-2.pdf|archive-date=9 June 2015|location=Sarawak, Malaysia|date=26 June 2004}}</ref> || 85,231<ref name=BRB1987/><ref name=wtwy>{{cite web|title=Sibu, the centre of the Rajang basin|url=http://www.wtwy.com/reports/view/15/spb-vol-2-issue-4|website=Sarawak Property Bulletin vol 2 issue 4|publisher=CH Williams Talhar Yong & Yeo Sdn. Bhd|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214051810/http://www.wtwy.com/reports/view/15/spb-vol-2-issue-4|archive-date=14 February 2015|location=Sarawak, Malaysia|date=26 January 2005}}</ref> || 133,479<ref name=wtwy/><ref>{{cite web|title=History Of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)|url=http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|website=Sibu Municipal Council|access-date=14 February 2015|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812054635/http://www.smc.gov.my/modules/web/pages.php?mod=webpage&sub=page&id=53&menu_id=0&sub_id=66|url-status=dead}}</ref> || 166,322<ref name=wtwy/> || 162,676<ref name=localauthoritypopulation/>
|-
|}

===Ethnicity===
{{bar box
|title=Ethnic composition in Sibu
|titlebar=
|left1=Ethnic group
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]]|#CE2029|52.1}}
{{bar percent|[[Iban people|Iban]]|#FFAA1D|17.6}}
{{bar percent|[[Malay people|Malay]]|#B0BF1A|15.1}}
{{bar percent|Other Bumiputera|#A3C1AD|10.9}}
{{bar percent|Melanau|#F88379|9.8}}
{{bar percent|Others|#C154C1|5.5}}
}}
According to the 2010 Malaysian census, the town of Sibu (excluding suburban area) has total population of 162,676.<ref>{{cite news|title=State statistics: Malays edge past Chinese in Sarawak |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/08/state-statistics-malays-edge-past-chinese-in-sarawak/ |access-date=14 February 2015 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=8 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415063610/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/08/state-statistics-malays-edge-past-chinese-in-sarawak/ |archive-date=15 April 2016  }}</ref> Chinese (52.1%, 82,019) is the largest ethnic group in the town, followed by indigenous people (35.01%, 56,949),<ref name=localauthoritypopulation/> non-Malaysians (1.99%, 3,236), and Indians (0.37%, 598). Among the indigenous tribes, there are [[Iban people|Iban]] (28,777), Malays (24,646), [[Melanau]] (16,028), [[Bidayuh]] (3,337), and other indigenous tribes (1874).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/04Jadual_PBT_negeri/PBT_Sarawak.pdf |title=Population Distribution by Local Authority Areas and Mukims, 2010 |date=December 2011 |publisher=Statistics Department, Malaysia |access-date=14 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114152728/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/population/04Jadual_PBT_negeri/PBT_Sarawak.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2014 }}</ref> A majority of the non-Malaysians are Indonesian workers employed at plywood and sawmills factories.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Jong|first1=Wil De|title=Transborder Governance of Forests, Rivers and Seas|date=2012|publisher=Routledge|location=UK and USA|page=44|isbn=9781136538100|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m6ceBAAAQBAJ&q=indonesian+workers+Sibu&pg=PA44|access-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> There are also a number of illegal workers employed by syndicates to tap rubber.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jittery over unruly foreigners|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2008%2F1%2F3%2Fnation%2F19902066&sec=nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222151425/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2008%2F1%2F3%2Fnation%2F19902066&sec=nation|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2015|access-date=22 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=3 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Crackdown on illegal rubber tapping syndicate|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2010/02/04/crackdown-on-illegal-rubber-tapping-syndicate/|access-date=22 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=4 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222151735/http://www.theborneopost.com/2010/02/04/crackdown-on-illegal-rubber-tapping-syndicate/|archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref> A number of foreign Chinese nationals and Indonesians are also working in massage parlours.<ref>{{cite news|title=10 female foreigners caught during Ops Noda Khas|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/04/26/10-female-foreigners-caught-during-Ops-Noda-Khas/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222152146/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/04/26/10-female-foreigners-caught-during-Ops-Noda-Khas/|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 February 2015|access-date=22 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=26 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Three caught in a massage parlour for vice|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/26150/Three-caught-in-massage-parlour-for-vice/|access-date=22 February 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222152650/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/26150/Three-caught-in-massage-parlour-for-vice/|archive-date=22 February 2015}}</ref>

===Languages===
Since the majority of the town population is made up of Fuzhounese, Hokkien and Hakka Chinese, [[Mandarin Chinese]] being the lingua franca of all three dialect groups and usage of dialects such as the [[Fuzhou dialect]], [[Hakka Chinese|Hakka]] and [[Hokkien dialect|Hokkien]] are commonly spoken among the Chinese community.<ref name=mir/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tye|first1=Timothy|title=Exploring Sibu, Sarawak|url=http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/sibu.htm|website=asiaexplorers|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205330/http://www.asiaexplorers.com/malaysia/sibu.htm|archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> The majority of Sibu Chinese are multilingual and are able to communicate in [[Sarawak Malay]], the indigenous native [[Iban language]] and English.<ref name=Yutsuen>{{cite book|last1=Yu-tsuen |first1=Hsu |title=Cultural Identity and Transnational Networks in a Chinese Diaspora Society in Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia |date=Fall 2012 |publisher=University of Albertia |location=Alberta, Canada |pages=75–77, 84–85, 118–119 |url=https://era.library.ualberta.ca/public/view/item/uuid:a3508ec0-4655-40e7-a2a5-718cee8029f0/DS1/Hsu_Yutsuen_Fall2012.pdf |access-date=23 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223115913/https://era.library.ualberta.ca/public/view/item/uuid%3Aa3508ec0-4655-40e7-a2a5-718cee8029f0/DS1/Hsu_Yutsuen_Fall2012.pdf |archive-date=23 February 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Indigenous languages such as [[Sarawak Malay]], [[Melanau language|Melanau]], [[Bidayuh languages|Bidayuh]] and [[Iban language|Iban]] are also spoken.

===Religion===
Unlike the other towns in Malaysia, the majority of the Chinese population in Sibu are Christians<ref name=mir/> while other Chinese practice Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Many of the Iban population in Sibu are Christians.<ref>{{cite web|title=Our People - Chinese - In Sibu|url=http://blog.sarawaktourism.com/2012/08/our-people-chinese.html|website=Sarawak Tourism blog|access-date=19 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701173212/http://blog.sarawaktourism.com/2012/08/our-people-chinese.html|archive-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> Malays and Melanaus are Muslims. Respective religious groups are free to hold their processions in the town.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lessons from Sarawak|url=http://aliran.com/aliran-monthly/2013/201310/lessons-sarawak-inter-religious-ties-relaxed-state-preserve-grip-power-pbb-likely-play-major-role-deterring-extension-umno-pas-battle-sa/|access-date=19 February 2015|publisher=Aliran Monthly|date=26 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219162931/http://aliran.com/aliran-monthly/2013/201310/lessons-sarawak-inter-religious-ties-relaxed-state-preserve-grip-power-pbb-likely-play-major-role-deterring-extension-umno-pas-battle-sa/|archive-date=19 February 2015 }}</ref> Several notable religious buildings in the town are [[Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sibu|Sacred Heart Cathedral]], Masland Methodist Church, [[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]], and An-Nur Mosque. Yu Lung San Tien En Si or [[Jade Dragon Temple]] is located at KM26 Sibu-Bintulu Road. The temple combined Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism under one roof. It is claimed to be the largest temple in [[Southeast Asia]].<ref name=Sojournsibu/><ref>{{cite web|title=Yu Lung San Tien En Si (Jade Dragon Temple)|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/yu-lung-san-tien-en-si-jade-dragon-temple/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312130337/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/yu-lung-san-tien-en-si-jade-dragon-temple/|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Another pile of Logs - panoramio.jpg|right|thumb|A pile of logs in front of a sawmill near the Rajang river.]]
[[File:Toung Aik Shipyard in Sibu.jpg|right|thumb|Shipyard along the Igan river.]]
[[File:Aerial view of Sibu port operation centre.jpg|right|thumb|Rajang Port Authority and port facilities.]]
In the early days, Fuzhounese settlers in Sibu tried to convert the town into a rice cultivation centre. However, this vision did not materialise because the soil was not suitable for rice cultivation. In August 1909, Charles Brooke agreed to grant land titles to Sibu Chinese farmers and encouraged them to cultivate rubber plantations. The rise of rubber prices from 1909 to 1911 had encouraged another 2,000 Fuzhounese settlers to come to Sibu. The demand for rubber rose again during [[Korean War]] between 1950 and 1953 and has benefited Sibu rubber plantations. Local farmers later used the profits from rubber plantations into setting up shops at Sungai Merah and Durin bazaars and involve in more profitable timber industry. During the [[Sarawak Communist Insurgency]] in the 1970s, rural farmers had to abandon their rubber plantations because of martial law declared by the state government which forbade them for helping the communists operating in the jungles.<ref name=Yutsuen/>

The timber industry in Sibu flourished during the 1940s and 1950s<ref name=1998Sibu/> and its economic importance surpassed rubber plantations in the 1960s.<ref name=Yutsuen/> Several global timber conglomerates such as the [[Rimbunan Hijau Group]], Ta Ann Holdings Berhad, Sanyan Group, WTK, The Sarawak Company, and Asia Plywood Company set up their headquarters in Sibu. Timber processing and exports become the main economic driving force in Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysian Plywood – Made in Sibu for the World|url=http://www.alexallied.com/life/sibu/malaysian-plywood-made-in-sibu-for-the-world|website=alexallied.com|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023001420/http://www.alexallied.com/life/sibu/malaysian-plywood-made-in-sibu-for-the-world|archive-date=23 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title=The modern timber industrial development of Sarawak in its early stage|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/02/18/the-modern-timber-industrial-development-of-sarawak-in-its-early-stage/|access-date=20 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=18 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220022642/http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/02/18/the-modern-timber-industrial-development-of-sarawak-in-its-early-stage/|archive-date=20 February 2015}}</ref> Development of the timber industry in Sibu has been supported by loans given by the earliest Chinese banks in Sibu such as Wah Tat Bank (1929), Hock Hua Bank (1952), and Kong Ming Bank (1965). Following the introduction of "Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1989" (BAFIA) by the Malaysian federal government, Kong Ming Bank was acquired by [[EON Bank]] in 1992, followed by the merger of Wah Tat Bank with [[Hong Leong Bank]] and the merger of Hock Hua Bank with [[Public Bank Berhad]] in the year 2000.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Tsung Yuan|first1=Chen|title=Historical Institutional Analysis of Ethnic Financial Institutions: A Study of the Chinese Banks in Sarawak|journal=Malaysian Journal of Chinese Studies|date=2013|volume=2|issue=1|pages=51, 56, 57|url=http://www.newera.edu.my/files/mces/Malaysia%20Journal%20Vol%202_3.pdf|access-date=20 February 2015}}</ref> In 1958, [[HSBC Bank Malaysia|HSBC]] started its banking operation in Kuching, followed by Sibu in 1959.<ref>{{cite web|title=HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad|url=https://www.hsbc.com.my/1/2/about-hsbc/corporate-information|website=HSBC Bank Malaysia|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705084646/http://www.hsbc.com.my/1/2/about-hsbc/corporate-information|archive-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> It was responsible for supporting several timber conglomerates in Sibu such as WTK and Ta Ann Holdings Berhad.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.globalwitness.org/sites/default/files/HSBC-logging-briefing-FINAL-WEB.pdf|title=In the Future There Will Be No Forests Left|date=2 November 2012|work=[[Global Witness]]|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=13 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313030838/https://www.globalwitness.org/sites/default/files/hsbc-logging-briefing-final-web.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2013, HSBC decided to close down all its commercial banking sectors in Sarawak after the bank was alleged for supporting non-sustainable logging operations in Sarawak.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burrel|first1=Ian|title=HSBC reviews logging policy as Bill Oddie film sparks petition|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/hsbc-reviews-logging-policy-as-bill-oddie-film-sparks-petition-8629889.html|publisher=[[The Independent|The Independent (UK)]]|date= 23 May 2013|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918055256/http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/hsbc-reviews-logging-policy-as-bill-oddie-film-sparks-petition-8629889.html|archive-date=18 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Way|first1=Winston|title=S'wak union: HSBC is 'threatening' employees|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/11/22/s%E2%80%99wak-union-hsbc-is-%E2%80%98threatening%E2%80%99-employees/|access-date=20 February 2015|publisher=Free Malaysia Today|date=22 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124074144/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/11/22/s%E2%80%99wak-union-hsbc-is-%E2%80%98threatening%E2%80%99-employees/|archive-date=24 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Staff protest closure of HSBC unit|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/11/30/staff-protest-closure-of-hsbc-unit/|access-date=20 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=30 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203113940/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/11/30/staff-protest-closure-of-hsbc-unit/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref>

Shipbuilding business in Sibu started in the 1930s to supply wooden boats for river and coastal navigation. It flourished in 1970s and 1980s along with increase in exports of tropical timber from Sarawak. It later shifted its focus into steel boat building.<ref name=NSTShip>{{cite news|last1=Onn|first1=Openg|title=Sibu creates big waves in shipbuilding industry|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19920720&id=RadhAAAAIBAJ&pg=4612,3742462|access-date=22 February 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=20 July 1992}}</ref> Some of the vessels in demand are tug boats for towing logs, barges for carrying logs, anchor handlers, Offshore Support Vessels (OSV), ferries, and express boats for carrying passengers. Most of the boats built are of small and medium in size. There are a total of 40 shipyards in Sibu. A majority of the workers are welders.<ref>{{cite web|title=In the Heartland of Malaysia's Shipbuilding / Ship repairing Industry|url=http://www.amim.org.my/AMIM/in-the-heartland-of-malaysias-shipbuilding-ship-repairing-industry/|website=AMIM official website|publisher=Association of Marine Industries of Malaysia|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222163958/http://www.amim.org.my/AMIM/in-the-heartland-of-malaysias-shipbuilding-ship-repairing-industry/|archive-date=22 February 2015 }}</ref> In 2003, 17 of the shipyards were relocated to Rantau Panjang Integrated Shipyard Shipbuilding Industrial Zone, Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|title=Small place builds big ships|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/24/small-place-builds-big-ships/|access-date=22 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=24 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222163643/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/02/24/small-place-builds-big-ships/|archive-date=22 February 2015 }}</ref> This included Yong Chin Kui, Far East, and TuongAik. The boats built in Sibu are often exported to neighbouring state of [[Sabah]], [[Peninsular Malaysia]], Singapore, Indonesia and United Arab Emirates.<ref name=UCAship>{{cite web|title=去年出口额5亿2500万 巫造船业扬名国际 (Previous year export amount was RM 525 million, Sibu shipbuilding industry reached international fame|url=http://www.uca.org.my/v12/2012-09-12-05-48-00/2012-09-12-08-22-13/2012-09-12-08-37-19/3178-5-2500|website=uca.org.my|publisher=United Chinese Association, Sibu|access-date=22 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222165444/http://www.uca.org.my/v12/2012-09-12-05-48-00/2012-09-12-08-22-13/2012-09-12-08-37-19/3178-5-2500|archive-date=22 February 2015 }}</ref> In the year 1991, a total of US$50 million was earned for shipbuilding business in Sibu.<ref name=NSTShip/> In 2011, Sibu ship exports stood at RM 525 million.<ref name=UCAship/> Sibu is also the only city in [[Sarawak]] to possess a vehicle assembly plant.<ref name="NBH plant 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.maa.org.my/listing_map.htm |title=Malaysian Automotive Association - Manufacturing & Assembly Plant |publisher=maa.org.my |date=2 May 2015 |access-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501205225/http://www.maa.org.my/listing_map.htm |archive-date=1 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> The plant is operated by N.B. Heavy Industries Sdn. Bhd., and it has been assembling [[Ankai]], [[BeiBen Truck|BeiBen]], [[Golden Dragon (company)|Golden Dragon]], [[Huanghai Bus]] and [[JAC Motors|JAC]] commercial vehicles since 2010.<ref name="NBH plant 2">{{cite web|author=Danny Wong |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/08/head-of-state-wife-visit-jac-assembly-line-in-sibu/ |title=Head of State, wife visit JAC assembly line in Sibu |publisher=[[The Borneo Post]] |date=8 July 2012 |access-date=2 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501202117/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/08/head-of-state-wife-visit-jac-assembly-line-in-sibu/ |archive-date=1 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Sibu has two industrial areas: Upper Lanang Industrial estate (Mixed Light Industries) and Rantau Panjang Ship Building Industrial Zone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Industrial Estate by Division|url=http://www.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/article_view/211/227/|website=sarawak.gov.my|publisher=Official website of the Sarawak Government|access-date=3 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315050820/http://sarawak.gov.my/web/home/article_view/211/227/|archive-date=15 March 2015}}</ref>

There are two river ports at Sibu: Sibu port and Sungai Merah port, located at 113&nbsp;km and 116&nbsp;km along from the mouth of the Rajang river, respectively. Sibu port has maximum [[gross tonnage]] (GT) of 10,000 tonnes while Sungai Merah port has a maximum GT of 2,500 tonnes. Sibu port is used mainly for handling timber and agricultural products while Sungai Merah port is used for handling fuel oil products. Rajang Port Authority (RPA) is located at Sibu port operation centre.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Us - operation centres |url=http://www.rajangport.gov.my/index-5.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420191854/http://www.rajangport.gov.my/index-5.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 April 2014 |website=Rajang Port Authority official website |access-date=22 February 2015 }}</ref>

RPA has earned a total revenue of [[Malaysian Ringgit|RM]] 30.1 million<ref>{{cite news|title=More revenue for Rajang Port Authority despite lower throughput|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/02/22/more-revenue-for-rajang-port-authority-despite-lower-throughput/|access-date=22 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=22 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228055446/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/02/22/more-revenue-for-rajang-port-authority-despite-lower-throughput/|archive-date=28 February 2013}}</ref> and profit of RM 5 million in the year 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rajang Port Authority's net profit rises to RM7.1 mln in 2013 |url=https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/rajang-port-authoritys-net-profit-rises-rm71-mln-2013 |access-date=15 April 2023 |publisher=The Edge |date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415072027/https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/rajang-port-authoritys-net-profit-rises-rm71-mln-2013 |archive-date=15 April 2023}}</ref>

==Transport==

===Land===
Roads in Sibu are under the jurisdiction of [[Sibu Municipal Council]] (SMC). Some of the notable roads in Sibu are Brooke Drive,<ref>{{cite news|title=Councillors oppose proposal to rename Brook Drive in Sibu|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/53928|access-date=24 February 2015|publisher=Sin Chew Jit Poh|date=28 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224091018/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/53928|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref> Archer Street, and Wong Nai Siong Street.<ref name=streetnames/> Kwong Ann roundabout is located near Brooke Drive in town centre while Bukit Lima roundabout<ref>{{cite news|title=Don't replace third roundabout with traffic lights, plead road-users|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/25/dont-replace-third-roundabout-with-traffic-lights-plead-road-users/|access-date=24 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=25 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224102620/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/25/dont-replace-third-roundabout-with-traffic-lights-plead-road-users/|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref> is located near Wong King Huo Street in the uptown area.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kho|first1=Peter|title=885 compound notices issued in 2 months|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/14356/885-compound-notices-issued-in-two-months/|access-date=24 February 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=1 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224103011/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/14356/885-compound-notices-issued-in-two-months/|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref> Sibu is also connected to other major towns and cities in Sarawak such as Kuching by [[Pan Borneo Highway]]. In early 2011, [[Sibu-Tanjung Manis Highway]] was opened.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii |first1=Philip |title=Link between Sibu and Tanjung Manis to be ready by end of the month |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2010%2f6%2f4%2fnation%2f6401187&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228150423/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F6%2F4%2Fnation%2F6401187&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 February 2015 |access-date=28 February 2015 |work=The Star (Malaysia) |date=4 June 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Report: Malaysia 2011 - Oxford Business Group|date=2011|publisher=Oxford Business Group Malaysia|page=141|isbn=9781907065460|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ClCfNOWRjwC&q=Lebaan+bridge&pg=PA141|access-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> In April 2006, [[Lanang Bridge]] connecting Sibu to [[Sarikei]] and [[Bintangor, Sarawak|Bintangor]] across the [[Rajang River]] was opened.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shin Yang - Upper Lanang Bridge - Project Description|url=http://www.shinyang.com.my/index.php/products-services/civil-engineering/bridges/upper-lanang-bridge-sibu|website=Shin Yang official website|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223144917/http://www.shinyang.com.my/index.php/products-services/civil-engineering/bridges/upper-lanang-bridge-sibu|archive-date=23 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Benjamin|first1=Reno|title=Tol Jambatan Lanang membebankan (Lanang Bridge toll is a burden)|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/03/tol-jambatan-lanang-membebankan/|access-date=24 February 2015|date=3 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111001811/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/01/03/tol-jambatan-lanang-membebankan/|archive-date=11 January 2013}}</ref> Toll-free [[Durin Bridge]] was opened in October 2006<ref>{{cite news|title=Toll-free Durin bridge will be opened to motorists on Oct 21|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2006%2F10%2F9%2Fnation%2F15669511&sec=nation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224093709/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2006%2F10%2F9%2Fnation%2F15669511&sec=nation|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 February 2015|access-date=24 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=9 October 2006}}</ref> connecting Sibu to other places such as [[Julau]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Shiang Huei|first1=Lo|title=Journey to the Mighty Rajang River of Sarawak|journal=Tropical Fish Magazine|date=September 2008|url=http://www.tfhmagazine.com/details/articles/journey-to-the-mighty-rajang-river-of-sarawak.htm|access-date=24 February 2015}}</ref> The Durin bridge is located near the satellite township of Sibu Jaya.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Jaya Township|url=http://www.amcorpproperties.com/html/property_details.aspx?ID=50&PID=85|publisher=AmCorp Properties Sdn Bhd|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730104243/http://www.amcorpproperties.com/html/property_details.aspx?ID=50&PID=85|archive-date=30 July 2013}}</ref>

====Public transport====

=====Local Bus=====
{| class="wikitable"  style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
!Route No.
!Operating Route
!Operator
|-
|1
|Lanang Road STP
|Lanang Bus
|-
|1
|Kampung Bahagia
|Teku Bus
|-
|1A+16
|Sibu Wharf-Sungai Merah-Indah-Kampung Bahagia-Rantau Panjang Jaya
|Sungei Merah
|-
|3
|Sibu Wharf-Sungai Merah-Taman Bukit Aup Jubilee-Engkalat
|Teku Bus
|-
|4
|Sibu Wharf-Pasai Siong
|Teku Bus
|-
|5A
|Hospital
|Lanang Bus
|-
|6
|Sibu Wharf-Sungai Merah-Teku-Trusan
|Teku Bus
|-
|7
|Hospital
|Teku Bus
|-
|8A
|Bintangor-Sarikei
|Borneo Bus
|-
|8B
|Sarikei-Sibu
|Borneo Bus
|-
|10
|Wong King Huo Road-Sentosa Road
|Lanang Bus
|-
|11
|Lanang Road STP
|Sungei Merah
|-
|15
|Sibu Jaya
|Lanang Bus
|-
|17
|Sibu Jaya
|Sungei Merah
|-
|20
|Sibu-[[Kanowit]]
|Lanang Express
|-
|23
|Sibu Wharf-[[Tanjung Manis District|Tanjung Manis]]-Belawai
|Lanang Bus
|-
|}

=====Local Bus or Bus Express remain unclear=====
{| class="wikitable"  style="width:100%; margin:auto;"
|-
!Route No.
!Operating Route
!Operator
|-
|16
|Sibu-Mukah
|Lanang Bus
|}

The town of Sibu has two bus stations. The local bus station is located at the waterfront near the Sibu wharf terminal. The long-distance bus station is located at Pahlawan Street, near the Sungai Antu region.<ref name="RowthornCohen2008"/><ref name=bustations>{{cite web|title=Lonely Planet - Sibu - Getting there & away|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/transport/getting-there-away|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120711025319/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/transport/getting-there-away|archive-date=11 July 2012 }}</ref> Jaya Li Hua Commercial Centre<ref>{{cite web|title=Jaya Li Hua Commercial Centre, Sibu|url=http://www.hockpeng.com.my/web2/node/169|publisher=Hock Peng Organisation|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080621075000/http://www.hockpeng.com.my/web2/node/169|archive-date=21 June 2008}}</ref> and Medan Hotel<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=Medan Hotel opens at Medan Jaya in Sibu|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/24/medan-hotel-opens-at-medan-jaya-in-sibu/|access-date=24 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=24 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224143623/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/24/medan-hotel-opens-at-medan-jaya-in-sibu/|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref> are located next to the long-distance bus station. The local bus station at the waterfront serves the town area, [[Sibu Airport]], Sibu Jaya, [[Kanowit]],<ref name=bustations/> and [[Sarikei]]. Lanang Bus serves the connection between the local bus station and the long-distance bus station while Panduan Hemat buses serves Sibu Airport and satellite township of Sibu Jaya.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lonely Planet - Sibu - Getting Around|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/transport/getting-around|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205225441/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/transport/getting-around|archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=Lonelyplanetborneo>{{cite book|last1=Robinson|first1=Daniel|last2=Karlin|first2=Adam|last3=Stiles|first3=Paul|title=Lonely Planet Borneo - Sibu - Getting Around|date=1 May 2013|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=9781743216514|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P33B08y_kBAC&q=Sibu+Jaya+buses&pg=PT328|access-date=24 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=Agapesibu>{{cite web|title=How to get to Sibu|url=http://agapesibu.org/necic2012/about-sibu/how-to-get-to-sibu/|publisher=Agape Centre Sibu|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207194301/http://agapesibu.org/necic2012/about-sibu/how-to-get-to-sibu/|archive-date=7 February 2015}}</ref> On the other hand, the long-distance bus station serves Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri via the [[Pan Borneo Highway]].<ref name=bustations/> Some of the buses serving at the long-distance bus station are Biaramas, Suria Bus, and Borneo Highway Express.<ref name=Agapesibu/><ref name=Sarawakvisitorsguide>{{cite book|title=Sarawak Visitors' Guide 2014|date=2014|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|location=Sarawak|page=73|url=http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/index.html#p=73|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224153121/http://www.sarawak.gov.my/ebook/Sarawak_Tourism/Visitor_Guide/index.html#p=72|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref>

Taxis in Sibu operates 24 hours a day.<ref name=Lonelyplanetborneo/> Taxis can be found at the airport, big hotels, taxi stands at the wharf terminal, and at Lintang Street. Taxi services are also offered for travel to nearby regions such as [[Mukah]], Bawang Assan, [[Sarikei]], and [[Bintangor, Sarawak|Bintangor]]. Kong Teck car rental is available at the airport.<ref name=Sarawakvisitorsguide/>

In May 2017, ride-sharing service company [[Grab (company)|GrabCar]] was launched in Sibu.<ref name=sibugrab2017>{{cite news|title=Ride-sharing service on recruitment drive in Sibu|date=27 April 2017|work=The Star Online|location=Sibu|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2017/04/27/ridesharing-service-on-recruitment-drive-in-sibu-company-actively-recruiting-in-extending-coverage-n/}}</ref>

===Water===
[[File:Sibu Wharf.jpg|right|thumb|Scene at the Sibu wharf terminal.]]
Sibu wharf terminal is located at Kho Peng Long Street near the Rajang river waterfront. It provides an alternative means of transport for the people living along the Rajang River.<ref name=Lonelyplanetborneo/> Among the destinations that can be reached by express boats from Sibu includes [[Belaga, Sarawak|Belaga]], [[Dalat, Sarawak|Dalat]], [[Daro]], [[Kapit]], [[Kanowit]], [[Kuching]], [[Sarikei]], and [[Song, Sarawak|Song]].<ref name=Sarawakvisitorsguide/> Sibu floating market which is made up of several large boats can also be seen from the wharf terminal. The boats are responsible to carry groceries to rural communities living along the river and do not have access to roads.<ref>{{cite news|title=A weekend in Sibu|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/01/a-weekend-in-sibu/|access-date=6 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=1 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306173526/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/01/a-weekend-in-sibu/|archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> There used to be a Pandaw River Cruise which operated along the Rajang River from Sibu to Pelagus Rapids Resort but its operation was terminated in 2012 due to logistical and operational difficulties.<ref>{{cite web|title=Borneo Tours & Trips 2025/2026 |url=https://www.goway.com/destinations/asia/malaysia/places/borneo |publisher=Goway - Travel Experts to Borneo |access-date=4 March 2015 |date=29 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720012711/http://www.goway.com/asia/malaysia/borneo/pandaw_cruise_rajang_river.html |archive-date=20 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii |first1=Philip |title=After its final Rajang tour, RV Orient Pandaw will be deported to Myanmar |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2f2012%2f3%2f21%2fsarawak%2f10956053&sec=sarawak |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304133056/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2012%2F3%2F21%2Fsarawak%2F10956053&sec=sarawak |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2015 |access-date=4 March 2015 |work=The Star (Malaysia) |date=21 March 2012 }}</ref>

===Air===
[[File:Upgraded Sibu Airport.jpg|right|thumb|Sibu Airport terminal building.]]
[[Sibu Airport]] was built in 1994, located at 25&nbsp;km from the town of Sibu and 1&nbsp;km from the satellite township of Sibu Jaya.<ref name=uticket/> In 2008, the airport handled 831,772 passengers on 14,672 flights and 735 metric [[tonnes]] of cargo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Airports in Malaysia - Domestic - Sibu Airport |url=http://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/index.php?ch=38&pg=157&ac=1033 |publisher=[[Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad]] |access-date=28 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523232759/http://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/index.php?ch=38&pg=157&ac=1033 |archive-date=23 May 2010 }}</ref> In April 2010, the airport was allocated RM130&nbsp;million by the Malaysian federal government for the upgrade of the terminal building.<ref name=nobrakessibuairport>{{cite news|title=No brakes on sibu airport expansion, says Minister|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/04/09/no-brakes-on-sibu-airport-expansion-says-minister-latest/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=9 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231040412/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/04/09/no-brakes-on-sibu-airport-expansion-says-minister-latest/|archive-date=31 December 2013}}</ref> The airport terminal building is the second largest in Sarawak after the [[Kuching International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=New Sibu airport terminal commences operation|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/new-sibu-airport-terminal-commences-operation/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219190822/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/01/new-sibu-airport-terminal-commences-operation/|archive-date=19 December 2014}}</ref> The airport has a 2.75&nbsp;km runway and it serves [[Malaysia Airlines]], [[Air Asia]],<ref>{{cite web|title=About Sibu Airport|url=http://www.klia.com.my/?m=business&c=business_about&id=7|publisher=Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008083248/http://www.klia.com.my/?m=business&c=business_about&id=7|archive-date=8 October 2014}}</ref> and [[MASWings]]<ref name=Sarawakvisitorsguide/> with direct flights to all major towns in Sarawak, such as [[Miri, Malaysia|Miri]], [[Bintulu]], [[Kuching]] and national destinations such as [[Kota Kinabalu]], [[Kuala Lumpur]], and [[Johor Bahru]].<ref name=nobrakessibuairport/> In October 2011, [[Firefly (airline)|Firefly airline]] terminated its services in Sarawak<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hillson|first1=Zoee|title=Deputy minister sees red over 'unfriendly' Firefly|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/23/deputy-minister-sees-red-over-%E2%80%98unfriendly%E2%80%99-firefly/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=23 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119043911/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/23/deputy-minister-sees-red-over-%E2%80%98unfriendly%E2%80%99-firefly/|archive-date=19 January 2012}}</ref> while [[Malindo Air]] terminated its services to Sibu Airport in June 2014 due to low number of passengers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Malindo Air discontinues Sibu and Miri sectors due to low load factor|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/06/09/Malindo-Air-discontinues-Sibu-and-Miri-sectors-due-to-low-load-factor/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228014223/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/06/09/Malindo-Air-discontinues-Sibu-and-Miri-sectors-due-to-low-load-factor/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 February 2015|access-date=28 February 2015|date=9 June 2014}}</ref>

==Other utilities==

===Courts of law, legal enforcement, and crime===
[[File:The Sibu court complex.jpg|right|thumb|The Sibu court complex]]
The court complex is located at Tun Abang Haji Openg Street, Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Court addresses - High Court Sarawak (Kuching, Bintulu, Miri & Sibu)|url=http://www.cljlaw.com/?page=courtaddr|publisher=CLJ Legal Network Sdn Bhd|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228024826/http://www.cljlaw.com/?page=courtaddr|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> It contains the [[High Courts of Malaysia|High Court]], Sessions Court, and the Magistrate Court.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highcourt.sabah.sarawak.gov.my/apps/highcourt/v3/modules/highcourt_web/page.php?id=4 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130615210827/http://www.highcourt.sabah.sarawak.gov.my/apps/highcourt/v3/modules/highcourt_web/page.php?id=4 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 June 2013 |title=Structure of The Court (STRUCTURE OF THE HIGH COURT IN SABAH & SARAWAK) |publisher=The High Court in Sabah and Sarawak |access-date=10 June 2014 }}</ref> The Sibu town also has a [[Syariah Court]] located at Kampung Nyabor Street with jurisdictions in Sibu, Kanowit and Selangau districts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Direktori Mahkamah Syariah Sarawak (Sarawak Syariah Courts Directory)|url=http://www.esyariah.gov.my/portal/page/portal/Portal%20E-Syariah%20BM/Portal%20E-Syariah%20Direktori%20Mahkamah/Portal%20E-Syariah%20Direktori%20Sawarak|website=Official website of e-Syariah|publisher=Department of Syariah Judiciary Malaysia|access-date=28 February 2015|language=ms|archive-date=2 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402110816/http://www.esyariah.gov.my/portal/page/portal/Portal%20E-Syariah%20BM/Portal%20E-Syariah%20Direktori%20Mahkamah/Portal%20E-Syariah%20Direktori%20Sawarak|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is one district police headquarters at Tun Abang Haji Openg Street. The Sibu central police station is located at Kampung Nyabor Street. Sungai Merah police station and Lanang police station are also located in Sibu town area.<ref>{{cite web|title=Direktori PDRM Sarawak - Sibu [Sarawak Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) Directory - Sibu]|url=http://www.rmp.gov.my/direktori/direktori-pdrm/sarawak/sibu|publisher=Royal Malaysian Police|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029192955/http://www.rmp.gov.my/direktori/direktori-pdrm/sarawak/sibu|archive-date=29 October 2014|language=ms}}</ref> There is also a prison in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Banji|first1=Conny|title=Sibu Prison holding Infokraf exhibition|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/01/23/sibu-prison-holding-infokraf-exhibition/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=23 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228041611/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/01/23/sibu-prison-holding-infokraf-exhibition/|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref>

[[Tiong King Sing]], an MP from [[Bintulu]], has voiced concerns about gangsterism in Sarawak especially the Sibu town back in 2007.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Vasudevan|first1=V|title=Is Sibu a gangland haven? (subscription required)|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-137617758.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402194356/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-137617758.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=New Straits Times|date=12 April 2007}}</ref> As a result, "Operation Cantas Kenyalang" was started in 2008 to clamp down gangsterism in Sarawak.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Charles|first1=Lourdes|last2=Then|first2=Stephen|title=Three of Sarawak's most notorious gangsters held|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Crime/Story/A1Story20080430-62615.html|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=Asiaone|date=30 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415025753/http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20080430-62615.html|archive-date=15 April 2009}}</ref> In September 2013, Sibu police chief announced that "Lee Long", "Sungai Merah", and "Tua Chak Lee" gangs ceased to exist and Sibu town is free from organised gangsterism.<ref>{{cite news|title=Four underworld gangs defunct in Sibu: Police|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/820631|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Sun Daily|date=3 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228052704/http://www.thesundaily.my/news/820631|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sebastian|first1=Ivan|title=No gangsters in Sibu, insists Law|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/16517/No-gangsters-in-Sibu-insists-Law/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=3 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228100727/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/16517/No-gangsters-in-Sibu-insists-Law/|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> There were 25 gangster groups in Sibu back in 2007; there are 7 groups as of 9 October 2013.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title=State doesn't have 16 gangster groups, clarifies Sibu police chief|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/10/09/setting-the-record-straight-state-doesnt-have-16-gangster-groups-clarifies-sibu-police-chief/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228094330/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2013/10/09/setting-the-record-straight-state-doesnt-have-16-gangster-groups-clarifies-sibu-police-chief/|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 February 2015|access-date=28 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=9 October 2013}}</ref> In September 2014, [[Royal Malaysian Police]] headquarter at Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, stated that 16 local gangster groups are still active in Sarawak especially in Sibu but they do not pose any serious security threats.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Then|first1=Stephen|title=CID director says groups still active but no threat to security|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/25/Gangsters-under-watch-CID-director-says-groups-still-active-but-no-threat-to-security/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112754/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/25/Gangsters-under-watch-CID-director-says-groups-still-active-but-no-threat-to-security/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=28 February 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=25 September 2014}}</ref> This raised new concerns that such groups still pose a serious security risk in Sibu town and Sarawak in general.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sibu gangsters, in secret societies or 'Pai Kia', are still dangerous|url=http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Sibu-gangsters-in-secret-societies-or-Pai-Kia-are-still-dangerous|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Ant Daily|date=28 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228100452/http://www.theantdaily.com/Main/Sibu-gangsters-in-secret-societies-or-Pai-Kia-are-still-dangerous|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref>

===Healthcare===
[[File:Sibu Hospital.JPG|right|thumb|The Sibu Hospital.]]
[[Sibu Hospital]] is the second largest hospital in [[Sarawak]] and the secondary referral hospital for the central region of [[Sarawak]] which includes 5 divisions: Sibu, Kapit, Mukah, Sarikei, and Betong. There are 8 district hospitals in these divisions that are referred to Sibu. Sibu Hospital is also a teaching hospital for undergraduates from [[Universiti Malaysia Sarawak]] (UNIMAS) and SEGi University.<ref>{{cite book|title=Sibu Hospital - Whole Hospital Policy|date=May 2014|publisher=Sibu Hospital|pages=4–5|url=http://hsibu.moh.gov.my/hsb.bm/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HOSP-SIBU-policy-edited.pdf|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228140424/http://hsibu.moh.gov.my/hsb.bm/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/HOSP-SIBU-policy-edited.pdf|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> There are also two private medical centres in Sibu: [[Johor Corporation|KPJ]] Sibu Specialist Medical Centre and Rejang Medical Centre.<ref name=agapehospitals>{{cite web|title=Health Care centre|url=http://agapesibu.org/necic2012/about-sibu/health-care-center/|publisher=Agape Centre Sibu|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224225233/http://agapesibu.org/necic2012/about-sibu/health-care-center/|archive-date=24 February 2015}}</ref>

Lanang and Oya Polyclinics are located in Sibu.<ref name=agapehospitals/> There are also five community clinics in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kho|first1=Peter|title=Sibu's fifth 1Malaysia clinic opens|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/213/Sibus-fifth-1Malaysia-clinic-opens/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=7 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228141421/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/213/Sibus-fifth-1Malaysia-clinic-opens/|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> The Bandong Community clinic became the first Community Clinic nationwide to offer [[echocardiography]] screening.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boon|first1=Peter|title=Cardio-screening starts at 1Malaysia Clinic Bandong, at RM1 a pop|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/24/cardio-screening-starts-at-1malaysia-clinic-bandong-at-rm1-a-pop/|access-date=28 February 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=24 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209135421/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/24/cardio-screening-starts-at-1malaysia-clinic-bandong-at-rm1-a-pop/|archive-date=9 December 2014}}</ref>
There are also several pharmacy outlets in Sibu: B Y Chan pharmacy, Central Pharmacy, Lot 9 Pharmacy near by Delta Mall<ref>{{cite web|title=Directory - Sarawak|url=http://www.mps.org.my/index.cfm?&menuid=104|publisher=Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228143201/http://www.mps.org.my/index.cfm?&menuid=104|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> and Cosway Pharmacy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cosway Pharmacy - Jalan Pahlawan, Sibu, Sarawak|url=http://www.coswaypharmacy.com/my/sibu-sarawak-2/|publisher=Cosway Pharmacy|access-date=28 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209041423/http://www.coswaypharmacy.com/my/sibu-sarawak-2/|archive-date=9 February 2013}}</ref>

===Education===
{{See also|List of schools in Sarawak}}
[[File:University College of Technology Sarawak, Sibu.JPG|right|thumbnail|University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).]]
[[File:Laila Taib College, Sibu.JPG|right|thumbnail|[[Kolej Laila Taib]], Sibu.]]
Sibu has about 85 primary schools and 23 secondary schools.<ref>{{cite web|title=Schools information - (Look under "Sibu" and "Lanang" parliamentary constituencies)|url=https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwdAi1ydEEhtenVEX1N6VTF4QWs/view|publisher=Sibu District Education Office|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150301234007/https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwdAi1ydEEhtenVEX1N6VTF4QWs/view|archive-date=1 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="sys">{{cite web|title=SENARAI SEKOLAH MENENGAH DI NEGERI SARAWAK (List of Secondary Schools in Sarawak) – See Sibu|url=http://emisportal.moe.gov.my/emis/emis2/emisportal2/doc/fckeditor/File/senarai_sek_09/menengah/SarawakM.pdf|publisher=Educational Management Information System|access-date=9 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227201213/http://emisportal.moe.gov.my/emis/emis2/emisportal2/doc/fckeditor/File/senarai_sek_09/menengah/SarawakM.pdf|archive-date=27 February 2015 }}</ref> The Sibu primary and secondary schools under the National Education System are managed by Sibu District Education Office located at Brooke Drive, Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lokasi Pejabat Pelajaran Daerah Sibu Dilihat dari Udara (Location of Sibu District Education Office as seen from above)|url=https://picasaweb.google.com/100247506985396540849/PetaSekolah#5750319628893999042|publisher=Sibu District Education Office|access-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> The oldest school in Sibu is [[SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu|Sacred Heart High School]] which was formed in 1902 by Rev. Father Hopfgarther.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of SHS |url=http://www.shssibu.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13:history-of-shs&catid=16&Itemid=202 |publisher=SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu |access-date=14 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714085547/http://www.shssibu.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13%3Ahistory-of-shs&catid=16&Itemid=202 |archive-date=14 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was followed by Rev James Hoover where he formed Methodist Anglo-Chinese School in 1903. The school later evolved into Methodist primary and secondary schools in 1947.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=Methodist schools at forefront of education|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/31/methodist-schools-at-forefront-of-education/|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301105931/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/31/methodist-schools-at-forefront-of-education/|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> Uk Daik primary school, built in 1926, is one of the oldest Chinese primary schools in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Block For One Of Sibu's Oldest Chinese Primary Schools|url=http://education.bernama.com/index.php?sid=news_content&id=512539|access-date=14 July 2015|publisher=Bernama|date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712235214/http://education.bernama.com/index.php?sid=news_content&id=512539|archive-date=12 July 2011}}</ref> Built in 1954, St Mary primary school is the oldest English stream school in [[Sibu Division]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=SK St Mary turns a new page|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/26/sk-st-mary-turns-a-new-page/|access-date=14 July 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=26 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024025602/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/26/sk-st-mary-turns-a-new-page/|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref> Sibu also has five [[Chinese independent high school|Chinese independent schools]].<ref>{{cite web|title=砂拉越华文独中通讯录 (Communication directory of Sarawak Chinese independent schools)|url=http://shadongzong.org/secondary-schools/|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231125149/http://shadongzong.org/secondary-schools/|archive-date=31 December 2013|language=zh}}</ref> The most notable ones are Catholic High School (1961)<ref>{{cite web|title=诗巫公教中学 - 六十年代 (Sibu Catholic High School - In the 60's)|url=http://chssibu.edu.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=82|publisher=诗巫公教中学 (Sibu Catholic High School)|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721055448/http://chssibu.edu.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=39&Itemid=82|archive-date=21 July 2012|language=zh|date=2011}}</ref> and Wong Nai Siong High School (1967).<ref>{{cite web|title=黄乃裳中学简史 (A brief history of Wong Nai Siong High School)|url=http://aboutwns.gbs2u.com/bd/index3.asp?userid=48381293&idno=3|publisher=黄乃裳中学 (Wong Nai Siong High School)|access-date=14 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714092544/http://aboutwns.gbs2u.com/bd/index3.asp?userid=48381293&idno=3|archive-date=14 July 2015}}</ref> All the Chinese independent schools in Sibu are under the purview of The United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School, Sibu Division.<ref>{{cite web|title=詩巫省華文獨中董聯會 (The United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School, Sibu Division)|url=http://sibuduzhong.org.my/?page_id=30|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140622023241/http://sibuduzhong.org.my/?page_id=30|archive-date=22 June 2014|language=zh}}</ref> In 2013, Woodlands International School opened in Sibu offering [[Cambridge International Examinations]] (CIE) course.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Othman|first1=Ishak|title=Woodlands International School to open next month|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/03/22/woodlands-international-school-to-open-next-month/|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=22 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330124210/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/03/22/woodlands-international-school-to-open-next-month/|archive-date=30 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Woodlands International School in Sibu to offer Cambridge A-level|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/05/woodlands-international-school-in-sibu-to-offer-cambridge-a-level/|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=5 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301130639/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/05/woodlands-international-school-in-sibu-to-offer-cambridge-a-level/|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref>

In 1997, United College Sarawak (UCS) was established in Sibu at Teku Street. It was renamed to Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=Kolej Laila Taib to replace Kolej Bersatu Sarawak|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F2%2F19%2Fsouthneast%2F5696431&sec=southneast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301133016/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F2%2F19%2Fsouthneast%2F5696431&sec=southneast|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 March 2015|access-date=1 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=19 February 2010}}</ref> This college offers business, accounting, civil engineering, architecture, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and quantity surveying courses.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Heng|first1=Eve Sonary|title=Yayasan Sarawak to the rescue of students|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/05/26/yayasan-sarawak-to-the-rescue-of-students/|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=26 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301133441/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/05/26/yayasan-sarawak-to-the-rescue-of-students/|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> [[University College of Technology Sarawak]] (UCTS), located just opposite the KLT, commenced its maiden intake of new undergraduate students in September 2013. This university is established to provide human capital for the development of [[Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy]] (SCORE).<ref>{{cite news|title=First intake of University College of Technology Sarawak next month|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/07/first-intake-of-university-college-of-technology-sarawak-next-month/|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=7 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301133734/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/07/first-intake-of-university-college-of-technology-sarawak-next-month/|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> In 1967, Pilley Memorial Secondary School was established in Sibu. In April 1991, the school was upgraded to Methodist Pilley Institute (MPI) and it started to offer accounting, business management, and computer science courses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Methodist Pilley Institute - About Us - History|url=http://www.pilley.edu.my/aboutus.php|publisher=Methodist Pilley Institute|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720083534/http://www.pilley.edu.my/aboutus.php|archive-date=20 July 2012 }}</ref>

Sarawak Maritime Academy was formed under the Shin Yang Group of Companies. It offers Diploma in Nautical (DNS) and Diploma in Marine Engineering courses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sarawak Maritime Academy - A career in the international shipping industry |url=http://www.sarawakmaritimeacademy.com/about-us.html |publisher=Sarawak Maritime Academy |access-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402165401/http://www.sarawakmaritimeacademy.com/about-us.html |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sacred Heart College started to offer Diploma in Hotel Management courses in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sung|first1=Pick|title=Sacred Heart College offers Diploma in Hotel Management course|url=http://archive.theborneopost.com/archives/13201|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=22 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301140506/http://archive.theborneopost.com/archives/13201|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> Rimbunan Hijau (RH) Academy was established in 2005 and it started to offer training in automotive, oil palm plantations, hospitality, and business management in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Rimbunan Hijau Academy|url=http://www.rhacademy.edu.my/About%20Us/About%20Us.html|publisher=Rimbunan Hijau Academy|access-date=1 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427022517/http://www.rhacademy.edu.my/About%20Us/About%20Us.html|archive-date=27 April 2014}}</ref> Sibu Nursing College<ref>{{cite news|title=Official Portal Ministry of Health Malaysia - Nursing College Sibu|url=http://www.moh.gov.my/english.php/pages/view/472|access-date=1 March 2015|publisher=Ministry of Health, Malaysia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140706111514/http://www.moh.gov.my/english.php/pages/view/472|archive-date=6 July 2014}}</ref> and ITA college offers nursing-related programmes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kolej ITA - Programmes|url=http://www.kolejita.edu.my/v2014/future-students/programmes|publisher=ITA College|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150301142531/http://www.kolejita.edu.my/v2014/future-students/programmes|archive-date=1 March 2015}}</ref> In 1954, the [[Methodist Theological School]] was established in Sibu. It is affiliated with [[Methodist Church in Malaysia]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Methodist Theological School: Prospectus 2006-2008|publisher=Methodist Theological School|page=5|url=http://www.mtssibu.edu.my/downloads/misc/prospectus_2006_web.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007160105/http://www.mtssibu.edu.my/downloads/misc/prospectus_2006_web.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 October 2008|access-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> and is accredited by the [[Association for Theological Education in South East Asia]] (ATESEA).<ref>{{cite web|title=ATESEA - Member Schools - Malaysia|url=http://atesea.net/member-schools/malaysia/|publisher=Association for Theological Education in South East Asia|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202141707/http://atesea.net/member-schools/malaysia/|archive-date=2 February 2015}}</ref>

Long distance study centres (''Pendidikan Jarak Jauh'', PJJ) in Sibu are opened by [[Universiti Utara Malaysia]] (UUM) at Lanang<ref>{{cite news|title=Pusat Pembelajaran PJJ (Long distance learning centres) |url=http://pace.uum.edu.my/index.php/mengenai-pace/pusat-pembelajaran-pjj |access-date=1 March 2015 |publisher=Universiti Utara Malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813094909/http://pace.uum.edu.my/index.php/mengenai-pace/pusat-pembelajaran-pjj |archive-date=13 August 2014 }}</ref> and [[Universiti Putra Malaysia]] (UPM) at Sibu Jaya.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pusat Pembelajaran (Study centres)|url=http://upmet.upm.edu.my/master/index.php/pusat-pembelajaran.html|publisher=Universiti Putra Malaysia|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131224106/http://upmet.upm.edu.my/master/index.php/pusat-pembelajaran.html|archive-date=31 January 2012}}</ref> [[Universiti Malaysia Sarawak]] (UNIMAS) opened its Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS) - Integrated Learning Facilities (ILF) at Sibu for undergraduate medical students undergoing their training at [[Sibu Hospital]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS) |url=http://wiki.unimas.my/unimaswiki/bin/view/About+UNIMAS/Centre+for+Academic+Information+Services+%28CAIS%29 |publisher=Universiti Malaysia Sarawak |access-date=1 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106233823/http://wiki.unimas.my/unimaswiki/bin/view/About%2BUNIMAS/Centre%2Bfor%2BAcademic%2BInformation%2BServices%2B%28CAIS%29 |archive-date=6 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Open University Malaysia]] (OUM) also opens a Sibu Learning Centre.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Learning Centre|url=http://iradio.oum.edu.my/oumbeta/study_oum/studyOUM002aSabahSarawak002bStudent.html|publisher=Open University Malaysia|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131130122533/http://iradio.oum.edu.my/oumbeta/study_oum/studyOUM002aSabahSarawak002bStudent.html|archive-date=30 November 2013}}</ref>
[[SEGi University]] has established its Clinical Campus in Sibu Hospital in 2014. This campus houses its Faculty of Medicine which offers a 5-year programme leading to a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). The first 2 years of the programme is conducted at the main SEGi University Campus in Kota Damansara. Located in the Sibu Hospital complex Sibu Clinical Campus offers clinical training for the Third, Fourth and Final Year students.Besides Sibu Hospital clinical training are also conducted at Sarikei Hospital, government clinics and selected private clinics.

===Libraries===
[[File:SMC public library.JPG|right|200px|thumb|SMC public library.]]
The first public library in Sibu was started as Methodist Missionary Library in the 1950s. It was taken over by Sibu Urban District Council (SUDC) in 1955. It was moved to the present location at Keranji road in 1986 as SMC public library.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.librarynet.com.my/libraries/smclib_intro.html|title= Introduction to Sibu Municipal Council Public Library|date=2014 |website=LibraryNet|access-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212003255/http://www.librarynet.com.my/libraries/smclib_intro.html|archive-date=12 February 2012 }}</ref> The library underwent a major upgrade in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title= Sibu public library to undergo 'makeover'|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/28/sibu-public-library-to-undergo-makeover/|date= 28 April 2014 |last= Banji|first= Conny|publisher=[[The Borneo Post]] |access-date=4 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104125345/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/28/sibu-public-library-to-undergo-makeover/|archive-date=4 November 2014}}</ref> Another public library named "Ling Zi Ming Cultural centre" (林子明文化館) was established by the local Chinese community under the Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI, 詩巫中華總商會) in 1980. It houses Chinese books collections.<ref>{{cite web|title=詩巫中華工商總會屬下林子明文化館簡介 (A brief introduction of Ling Zi Ming Cultural Centre which is under SCCCI) (|url=http://sccci.gbs2u.com/bd/index3.asp?userid=32920114&idno=1#2|publisher=Sibu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106142115/http://sccci.gbs2u.com/bd/index3.asp?userid=32920114&idno=1#2|archive-date=6 January 2015|language=zh}}</ref> Another library named Sibu Jaya public library is located at the satellite township of Sibu Jaya, 26&nbsp;km from the town of Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Introduction to Sibu Jaya Public Library|url=http://www.librarynet.com.my/libraries/sibujaya_intro.html|website=librarynet.com.my|access-date=1 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503123742/http://www.librarynet.com.my/libraries/sibujaya_intro.html|archive-date=3 May 2012}}</ref>

==Culture and leisure==

===Attractions and recreational spots===

====Cultural====
[[File:Sibu Heritage Centre.JPG|thumbnail|Sibu Heritage Centre]]
[[File:Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu.jpg|thumb|[[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]]]]

Since 2005, [[Borneo Cultural Festival]] (BCF) is held by [[Sibu Municipal Council]] (SMC) in July every year at Sibu Town Square, for a period of 10 days. It is a celebration of traditional music, dances, contests, beauty pageant,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rodgers|first1=Gregory|title=Festivals in Borneo - Seven Festivals in Borneo not to be missed!|work=About.com Travel |url=http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/tp/borneo-festivals-malaysia.htm|publisher=about.com|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211212926/http://goseasia.about.com/od/eventsfestiva2/tp/borneo-festivals-malaysia.htm|archive-date=11 February 2015}}</ref> food stalls, fun fairs, and product exhibitions. There are 3 separate stages for Iban, Chinese, and Malay performances.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Sibu Tradex @ Borneo Cultural Festival 2013|url=http://www.sibubcftradex.com.my/Contents/AboutUs/about_bcf.html|publisher=Sibu Trade and Exhibition Centre (Sibu Tradex)|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303123840/http://www.sibubcftradex.com.my/Contents/AboutUs/about_bcf.html|archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Borneo Cultural Festival 2015|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/event/borneo-cultural-festival-bcf/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303124504/http://sarawaktourism.com/event/borneo-cultural-festival-bcf/|archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> It draws around 20,000 people every year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title=Borneo Cultural Festival turns Sibu into a melting pot of diversity|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2010%2F7%2F27%2Fsarawak%2F6735885|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303130408/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2010%2F7%2F27%2Fsarawak%2F6735885|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2015|access-date=3 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=27 July 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title=Sibu set to become a city of festivals|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/16/sibu-set-to-become-a-city-of-festivals/|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=16 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303130537/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/07/16/sibu-set-to-become-a-city-of-festivals/|archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> BCF was stopped briefly in 2011<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Philip|title=SMC decides to scrap Borneo Cultural Fest|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/04/28/smc-decides-to-scrap-borneo-cultural-fest/|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=28 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303131152/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/04/28/smc-decides-to-scrap-borneo-cultural-fest/|archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref> before it was resumed in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Yeo|first1=Calvin|title=Tourism promo to start with infrastructure upgrading|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F5%2F11%2Fsarawak%2F8655316|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303131313/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2011%2F5%2F11%2Fsarawak%2F8655316|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 March 2015|access-date=3 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=11 March 2011}}</ref> Sibu has hosted the National Chinese Cultural Festival (全國華人文化節) twice: in 2001 (18th Festival) and 2009 (26th Festival) which lasted for 3 days.<ref>{{cite news|first1=南|last1=山|title=【文教观点】全国华人文化节 (Chinese Culture and Education - National Chinese Cultural Festival)|url=http://www.intimes.com.my/sp/jul09/sp09070802.htm|access-date=4 March 2015|publisher=International Times (Sarawak)|date=8 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304135919/http://www.intimes.com.my/sp/jul09/sp09070802.htm|archive-date=4 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref> Among the activities organised during this festival were cultural village (a venue designated to showcase cultural heritages from various ethnicity), lantern riddles, cultural dances, Chinese songs, dragon dances, and [[Chinese calligraphy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=华人文化节今举行 逾千外宾云集诗巫 (Chinese Cultural Festival is held today - Over a thousand guests gathered in Sibu)|url=http://www.isarawak.com.my/cis/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1437&Itemid=69|access-date=4 March 2015|work=United Daily News|publisher=isarawak.com.my|date=3 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304135517/http://www.isarawak.com.my/cis/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1437&Itemid=69|archive-date=4 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=第26屆全國華人文化節開幕禮——文化大匯演 (The 26th National Chinese Cultural Festival Opening Ceremony - cultural extravaganza) ( 5/7/2009 )|url=http://www.uca.org.my/v12/2012-09-12-04-54-29/2012-09-12-05-17-05/1186-2012-10-24-09-01-08|website=uca.org.my|publisher=詩巫省華人社團聯合會 (Sibu United Chinese Association)|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304140513/http://www.uca.org.my/v12/2012-09-12-04-54-29/2012-09-12-05-17-05/1186-2012-10-24-09-01-08|archive-date=4 March 2015|language=zh}}</ref> Sibu International Dance Festival (SIDF) was started in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dance festival chance for local dancers to learn new skills|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/27/dance-festival-chance-for-local-dancers-to-learn-new-skills/|access-date=4 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=27 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831124159/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/27/dance-festival-chance-for-local-dancers-to-learn-new-skills/|archive-date=31 August 2012}}</ref> It is usually held between June and September every year, which lasted for 5 days. It attracted around 14 to 18 international dance troupes for performances in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|title=14 troupes to perform at Sibu International Dance Festival|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/13/14-troupes-to-perform-at-sibu-international-dance-festival/|access-date=4 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=13 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304143308/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/08/13/14-troupes-to-perform-at-sibu-international-dance-festival/|archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=18 dance troupes to be featured at Sibu International Dance Festival in June|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/17/news-for-local-news-will-be-soon-17-april-11/|access-date=4 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=17 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417191500/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/17/news-for-local-news-will-be-soon-17-april-11/|archive-date=17 April 2014}}</ref> It includes activities such as workshops, conferences, outdoor performances, and a dance concert.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu International Dance Festival - News|url=http://sidfestival.com/news/|website=sidfestival.com|publisher=Sibu International Dance Festival|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304142736/http://sidfestival.com/news/|archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu International Dance Festival 2015|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-international-dance-festival-2015/|website=sarawaktourism.com|publisher=Sarawak Tourism|access-date=4 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304142940/http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-international-dance-festival-2015/|archive-date=4 March 2015}}</ref>

There are 9 Bawang Assan Iban longhouses which are 40 minutes away from the town of Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bawang Assan Longhouse Village|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/sights/other/bawang-assan-longhouse-village|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=6 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205225418/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/sights/other/bawang-assan-longhouse-village|archive-date=5 February 2015}}</ref> The longhouses can be dated back from 18th century traditional longhouses to present day modern longhouses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bawang Assan Iban Longhouses|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/bawang-assan-iban-longhouses/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism|access-date=6 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306170027/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/bawang-assan-iban-longhouses/|archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> Visitors can enjoy traditional rice wine ''tuak'' and other delicacies such as ''sarang semut'', ''kain kebat'', and ''pansuh''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boon|first1=Peter|title=Longhouse set for Gawai Tourism do|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/29/longhouse-set-for-gawai-tourism-do/|access-date=6 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=29 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306170602/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/29/longhouse-set-for-gawai-tourism-do/|archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> These Iban longhouses showcase their lifestyles, customs, traditional dance, and music. Homestays are also available at these longhouses.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu city tour|url=http://sarawak.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Sibu.php|website=attractionsinmalaysia.com|access-date=6 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907070708/http://sarawak.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Sibu.php|archive-date=7 September 2013 }}</ref> There are 3 ceramic factories in Sibu. Ceramic designs mainly depicts traditional culture of the natives.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu - Sarawak Pottery |url=http://www.isarawak.com.my/v2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:sibu-sarawak-pottery-&catid=44:sibu&Itemid=63 |publisher=isarawak |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401131135/http://www.isarawak.com.my/v2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63%3Asibu-sarawak-pottery-&catid=44%3Asibu&Itemid=63 |archive-date=1 April 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sarawak Pottery|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sarawak-pottery/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=1 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401131416/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sarawak-pottery/|archive-date=1 April 2015}}</ref>

====Historical====
Sibu Heritage Trail was launched in 2012 to include 9 landmarks in Sibu, which are: Sibu Heritage Centre, Sibu Old Mosque (Masjid Al-Qadim, built in 1883), Warriors Memorial Site (present burial site of Rosli Dhobi, near An-Nur Mosque), oldest Muslim cemetery, [[Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum]], Hoover Memorial Square, Tua Pek Kong Temple, and Sibu Central Market.<ref name=discoversibu/> All the 9 landmarks can be reached by 2 kilometres of walking distance from each other.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=Heritage Trail set for launching|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/16/heritage-trail-set-for-launching/|access-date=10 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=16 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620014630/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/06/16/heritage-trail-set-for-launching/|archive-date=20 June 2012}}</ref> Sibu Heritage Centre is housed in a former Sibu Town Hall. It displays the early beginnings of Sibu, Iban and Malay cultures, with Chinese porcelain and clay vases which can be dated back to the era of Imperial China.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Heritage Centre|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-heritage-centre/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310090813/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-heritage-centre/|archive-date=10 March 2015}}</ref> [[Tua Pek Kong Temple, Sibu|Tua Pek Kong Temple]] is a Buddhist and Taoist Temple which was established in 1870. The 7-storey [[Guanyin]] Pagoda (Goddess of Mercy) was built in the 1980s.<ref name=Guanyin/><ref>{{cite book|author=China Williams|title=Lonely Planet Southeast Asia on a shoestring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TnnqAwAAQBAJ&q=tua+pek+kong+temple+sibu+southeast+asia+on+a+shoestring&pg=PT1068|access-date=9 March 2015|year=2014|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=9781743600290|display-authors=etal}}</ref> The [[Lau King Howe Hospital Memorial Museum]] is the only medical museum in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|title=In memory of Lau King Howe|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2010%2F5%2F22%2Fsarawak%2F6303596|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310093434/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sarawak&file=%2F2010%2F5%2F22%2Fsarawak%2F6303596|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 March 2015|access-date=10 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=22 May 2010}}</ref> It displays dental, surgical, and obstetric services offered by the hospital from the 1950s to 1990s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Exhibitions - Evolution of the Curriculum for School of Nursing in Lau King Howe Hospital|url=http://www.lkhhmm.org/exhibits/exh01.php|access-date=10 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214055334/http://www.lkhhmm.org/exhibits/exh01.php|archive-date=14 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lau King Howe Medical Museum|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/lau-king-howe-medical-museum/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref> Sungai Merah (Red River) Heritage Walk is the landmark of the earliest settlement of Fuzhounese in Sibu in 1901. There is a walking trail at the Sungai Merah river front leading up to [[Wong Nai Siong]] Memorial Garden.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sungai Merah Heritage Walk|url=http://www.visitsibu.com/sungai-merah-heritage-walk/|website=visitsibu.com|access-date=9 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619234104/http://www.visitsibu.com/sungai-merah-heritage-walk|archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sungai Merah Heritage Walk|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sungai-merah-heritage-walk/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=9 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309051657/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sungai-merah-heritage-walk/|archive-date=9 March 2015}}</ref> James Hoover Memorial Garden is also located near the Sungai Merah Heritage Walk.<ref>{{cite news|title=Memorial garden marks the first Methodist Missionary in Sibu|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/04/memorial-garden-marks-the-first-methodist-missionary-in-sibu/|access-date=11 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=4 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311144302/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/03/04/memorial-garden-marks-the-first-methodist-missionary-in-sibu/|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref>

====Leisure and conservation areas====
[[File:Bukit Aup Jubilee park 3.jpg|thumb|A view of cottages inside the Bukit Aup Jubilee Park.]]
[[File:Bukit Lima Forest Reserve entrance.jpg|thumb|left|Entrance into Bukit Lima Forest Reserve.]]
Bukit Aup Jubilee Park was opened in March 1993. It is located 10&nbsp;km away from the town of Sibu.<ref name=Bukitaup>{{cite web|title=Bukit Aup Jubilee Park|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/bukit-aup-jubilee-park/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311130842/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/bukit-aup-jubilee-park/|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> It has a total undulating land of {{convert|24|acre|km2}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu - Tour - Bukit Aup Jubilee Park |url=http://www.isarawak.com.my/v2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61:sibu-tour-bukit-aup-jubilee-park-&catid=44:sibu&Itemid=63 |website=isarawak.com.my |access-date=11 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101002443/http://www.isarawak.com.my/v2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61%3Asibu-tour-bukit-aup-jubilee-park-&catid=44%3Asibu&Itemid=63 |archive-date=1 January 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The park was the two consecutive winner of National Landscaping Competition Award in 1997 and 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rundown Bukit Aup Jubilee Park in Sibu needs a good spruce-up|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2010%2F5%2F24%2Fsarawak%2F6324018&sec=sarawak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311131213/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2010%2F5%2F24%2Fsarawak%2F6324018&sec=sarawak|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2015|access-date=11 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=24 May 2010}}</ref> The highest peak in the park, Bukit Aup (59 m above sea level) was originally a traditional burial ground for Iban warriors. The burial ground has since been relocated to a nearby village for the development of the park. However, the Iban community still regarded the peak as a sacred place and frequently brought offerings for the benevolent spirit named ''Nanga Bari''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bukit Aup Jubilee Park ... Popular Spot for Leisure Activities in Sibu Town.|url=http://www.sarawak-vacation-destinations.com/bukit-aup-jubilee-park.html|website=sarawak-vacation-destination.com|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217025714/http://www.sarawak-vacation-destinations.com/bukit-aup-jubilee-park.html|archive-date=17 February 2013}}</ref>

Bukit Lima peat swamp forest reserve, covering {{convert|390|ha|km2}}, was gazetted as protected area since October 1929. In January 2001, Bukit Lima Forest Park covering {{convert|219|ha|km2}} was constructed in the peat swamp forest and opened to the public. It has two separate trails of wooden planks of 3.5&nbsp;km and 2.5&nbsp;km long respectively.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cheng|first1=Liang|title=A 'Nature' escape for Sibu townsfolk|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/21/a-nature-escape-for-sibu-townsfolk/|access-date=11 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214115943/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/10/21/a-nature-escape-for-sibu-townsfolk/|archive-date=14 February 2013}}</ref> The park also has a 3-storey concrete watchtower for sightseeing. The park is managed by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title= Bukit Lima Forest Park growing in popularity|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F7%2F8%2Fsarawak%2F6608551&sec=sarawak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311141447/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F7%2F8%2Fsarawak%2F6608551&sec=sarawak|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 March 2015|access-date=11 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=8 July 2010}}</ref>

Sibu has other urban and suburban parks such as Kutien Memorial Garden, Hin Hua Memorial Park, and Permai Lake Garden.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title='Missing' Sibu swans find new lakeside home in Permai Park|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/23/missing-sibu-swans-find-new-lakeside-home-in-permai-park/|access-date=11 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=23 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311134157/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/23/missing-sibu-swans-find-new-lakeside-home-in-permai-park/|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> The Kutien Memorial Garden located at Lanang Street is managed by Sibu Kutien Association. The Kutien Garden showcase the association's history and events. The Hin Hua Memorial Park is established by Sibu [[Putian people|Heng Hua]] community where their earliest arrival in Sibu was in 1911.<ref name=Sojournsibu>{{cite news|last1=Chua |first1=Andy |title=Sojourn in Sibu |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sundaymetro&file=%2f2010%2f5%2f9%2fSundayMetro%2f6197737 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312071301/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?sec=sundaymetro&file=%2F2010%2F5%2F9%2FSundayMetro%2F6197737 |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 March 2015 |access-date=12 March 2015 |work=The Star (Malaysia) |date=9 May 2010 }}</ref> YMCA Camp Resort is located away from the town. It provides facilities for camping and retreat.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ishak|first1=Othman|title=YMCA Camp Resort Sibu to woo global visitors — Lau|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/09/01/ymca-camp-resort-sibu-to-woo-global-visitors-lau/|access-date=12 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915235426/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/09/01/ymca-camp-resort-sibu-to-woo-global-visitors-lau/|archive-date=15 September 2014}}</ref>

====Sports====
[[File:Stadium Tun Zaidi, Sibu.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Stadium Tun Zaidi]]
[[File:Sibu Indoor Stadium.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Sibu Indoor Stadium]]
Sibu has three stadiums: Tun Zaidi Stadium,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Philip|title=SDAAA want night lightings installed at Stadium Tun Zaidi|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/19/sdaaa-want-night-lightings-installed-at-stadium-tun-zaidi/|access-date=14 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=19 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314142126/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/04/19/sdaaa-want-night-lightings-installed-at-stadium-tun-zaidi/|archive-date=14 March 2015}}</ref> [[Sibu Indoor Stadium]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title=Sibu stadium to host Sukma badminton and volleyball|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/01/08/sibu-stadium-to-host-sukma-badminton-and-volleyball/|access-date=7 August 2016|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=8 January 2016}}</ref> and Sibu Volleyball Indoor Stadium.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Philip|title=Sibu stadium to host Sukma badminton and volleyball|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/05/11/rm10m-sibu-volleyball-stadium-ready-for-sukma/|access-date=31 October 2017|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=11 May 2016}}</ref>

Sibu BASE jump is an annual event that is held in September every year since 2009,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Genta|first1=Florence|title=45 take part in Sibu BASE jump 2014|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/35316/45-take-part-in-Sibu-BASE-Jump-2014/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021012015/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/35316/45-take-part-in-Sibu-BASE-Jump-2014/|archive-date=21 October 2014}}</ref> which lasts for 3 days. Night jumps are also performed if the weather is fair.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu BASE Jump 2014|url=http://www.basejumpingdisplays.com/|website=basejumpingdisplays|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203001236/http://www.basejumpingdisplays.com/|archive-date=3 February 2015}}</ref> The [[BASE jumping]] usually takes place from the top of [[Wisma Sanyan]] which is 126m high and is the tallest building in Sarawak.<ref>{{cite web|title=MyFest2015 - Sibu Base Jump|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-base-jump-2014/|website=sarawaktourism.com|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305155516/http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-base-jump-2014/|archive-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> The number of jumpers has increased from 11 jumpers in 2009 to 45 jumpers in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Banji|first1=Conny|title=Sibu BASE Jump out of this world for 45|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/09/19/sibu-base-jump-out-of-this-world-for-45/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=19 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918233840/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/09/19/sibu-base-jump-out-of-this-world-for-45/|archive-date=18 September 2014}}</ref> In 2013, world's first tandem BASE jumping from a building (Wisma Sanyan in Sibu) was done by Sean Chuma (world-renowned BASE jumper), carrying Rudy Anoi (chief executive of Sarawak Tourism Board, Sibu branch) with him.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Boon|first1=Peter|title=65 foreigners poised for sixth Sibu BASE jump|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/12/65-foreigners-poised-for-sixth-sibu-base-jump/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305154018/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/07/12/65-foreigners-poised-for-sixth-sibu-base-jump/|archive-date=5 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Chuma |first1=Sean |title=Tandem Base Goes Worldwide for the world's first Tandem Building Jump |url=http://tandembase.com/news/tandem-base-goes-worldwide-for-the-worlds-first-tandem-building-jump |website=tandembase.com |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221065609/http://tandembase.com/news/tandem-base-goes-worldwide-for-the-worlds-first-tandem-building-jump |archive-date=21 February 2015 |url-status=unfit }}</ref>

Since 2001, Sarawak Health Marathon is held every year at Bukit Aup Jubilee Park, Sibu. The run can be divided into 6 categories, including 21&nbsp;km Men's and Ladies' Open, 7km Men's Fun Run and Boys' Junior, 2.5km Girls' Junior, and 2.5km Ladies Fun Run.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ta Ann continues support of Sarawak Health Marathon in 2013|url=http://www.taann.com.my/2013/02/21/ta-ann-continues-support-of-sarawak-health-marathon-in-2013/|publisher=Ta Ann Group|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210000731/http://www.taann.com.my/2013/02/21/ta-ann-continues-support-of-sarawak-health-marathon-in-2013/|archive-date=10 December 2013|date=21 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=14th Sarawak Health Marathon now open for registration|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/01/29/14th-sarawak-health-marathon-now-open-for-registration/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=29 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305233900/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/01/29/14th-sarawak-health-marathon-now-open-for-registration/|archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref>

====Other sights====
[[File:The Rajang Esplanade park.JPG|left|thumb|200px|Rajang Esplanade Park.]]
[[File:Fountain and swan statue near the Sibu Gateway.JPG|right|thumb|200px|The Sibu Gateway.]]
Sibu Gateway is a landmark at the downtown area which includes an illuminated fountain, a garden, and a Swan statue surrounded by 12 [[Chinese zodiac]] signs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Gateway|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-gateway/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism|access-date=6 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306171724/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-gateway/|archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> Rajang Esplanade is one of the 22 community parks in Sibu, mostly donated by Chinese clan associations. Rajang Esplanade has a walkway along the Rajang riverfront from Sibu wharf terminal to Kingwood Hotel with Hii's association playground along the way. It offers a scene of muddy river with timber barges, express boats, and fishing boats commuting on the river.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rejang Esplanade|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/rejang-esplanade/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311045355/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/rejang-esplanade/|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Rejang Esplanade - Parks and Gardens - Sibu, Malaysia|url=http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/sights/parks-gardens/rejang-esplanade|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=11 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311045431/http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/malaysian-borneo-sarawak/sibu/sights/parks-gardens/rejang-esplanade|archive-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> Several [[mural]] paintings depicting historical lifestyles and local cuisines are found at various locations in Sibu.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title=Sibu adds fifth mural to its series of wall artwork project|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/01/10/sibu-adds-fifth-mural-to-its-series-of-wall-artwork-project/|access-date=3 February 2016|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=10 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203155414/http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/01/10/sibu-adds-fifth-mural-to-its-series-of-wall-artwork-project/|archive-date=3 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Street Art 2016|work=The official travel website for Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo |date=5 April 2016 |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/blog/sibustreetart/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418104008/http://sarawaktourism.com/blog/sibustreetart/|archive-date=18 April 2016}}</ref>

====Other events====
Sibu Bike Week is an event that is held in December every year since 2011. It is a 3-day event aimed to bring all the enthusiasts of motorcyclists, cars, audio systems, BMX, Zumba, and paintball to share their hobbies and experiences.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|last2=Ishak|first2=Othman|title=Sibu Bike Week now an international event|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/12/11/sibu-bike-week-now-an-international-event/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=11 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305224956/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/12/11/sibu-bike-week-now-an-international-event/|archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref> It has attracted about 2,000 bikers around the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visit Sarawak - Sibu Big Bike Week|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-big-bike-week/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=5 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305230049/http://sarawaktourism.com/event/sibu-big-bike-week/|archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref> Among the activities held during Sibu Bike Week are Miss Sibu Bike Week Pageant, Tattoo queen and King competition.<ref>{{cite news|title=3,000 bikers meet at Sibu Town Square|url=http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/41026/3000-bikers-meet-at-Sibu-Town-Square/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=New Sarawak Tribune|date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305225752/http://www.newsarawaktribune.com/news/41026/3000-bikers-meet-at-Sibu-Town-Square/|archive-date=5 March 2015 }}</ref> Borneo Talent Award (BTA) is held every year in Sibu since 2011 at Sibu Civic Centre.<ref>{{cite news|title=Borneo Talent Award on Nov 21-24 at Sibu Civic Centre, entry forms available|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/30/borneo-talent-award-on-nov-21-24-at-sibu-civic-centre-entry-forms-available/|access-date=6 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108035423/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/07/30/borneo-talent-award-on-nov-21-24-at-sibu-civic-centre-entry-forms-available|archive-date=8 November 2013}}</ref> It showcases performances of singing, dancing, acrobatics, mimicry, playing musical instruments, magic show, and art performances.<ref>{{cite web|title=Visit Sarawak - Borneo Talent Awards|work=The official travel website for Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/event/borneo-talent-awards/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=6 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306000336/http://sarawaktourism.com/event/borneo-talent-awards/|archive-date=6 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Borneo Talent Award now opened to foreigners|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/26/Borneo-Talent-Award-now-opened-to-foreigners/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402163256/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2014/09/26/Borneo-Talent-Award-now-opened-to-foreigners/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2015|access-date=6 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=26 September 2014}}</ref>

====Shopping====
{{See also|List of shopping malls in Malaysia}}
[[File:Sibu Market - panoramio.jpg|thumb|A scene at the Sibu central market.]]
[[File:Sibu night market.jpg|thumb|left|A scene at the Sibu night market.]]
Sibu features a number of shopping malls: [[Wisma Sanyan]], Medan Mall, Sing Kwong Shopping Complex, Farley Departmental Store, Delta Mall, [[Star Mega Mall]], Everwin, Swan Square, and The Hann's Residence.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shopping in Sibu|url=http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/sibu-city-malaysia.htm#sibushopping|website=wonderfulmalaysia.com|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625163053/http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/sibu-city-malaysia.htm|archive-date=25 June 2014 }}</ref>

The Sibu Night Market was established in 1973. It was situated in the town centre. Local traders will usually set up their mobile stalls from 5pm to 10pm every day. The stalls offer household goods, footwear, fashion items, and varieties of food.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Night Market|work=Visit Sarawak 2022 #BounceBackBetter |url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-night-market/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204164751/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-night-market/|archive-date=4 February 2015}}</ref> In August 2012, the market was relocated to Butterfly Garden at Cross Road near the Tua Pek Kong Temple to ease traffic jams.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=Council to move popular night market to ease traffic jam at present site|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F4%2Fsarawak%2F11792914&sec=sarawak|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312114508/http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?file=%2F2012%2F8%2F4%2Fsarawak%2F11792914&sec=sarawak|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=4 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Tan|first1=Raymond|title=Sibu night market moves to Cross Road|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/07/sibu-night-market-moves-to-cross-road/|access-date=12 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=7 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312114746/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/07/sibu-night-market-moves-to-cross-road/|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Moh|first1=Jane|title=New night market at Butterfly Garden off to a good start|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/08/new-night-market-at-butterfly-garden-off-to-a-good-start/|access-date=12 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=8 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312115052/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/08/08/new-night-market-at-butterfly-garden-off-to-a-good-start/|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref>

The Sibu Central Market is the largest indoor market in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to Spend One Week in Sarawak|url=https://theculturetrip.com/asia/malaysia/articles/how-to-spend-one-week-in-sarawak/|publisher=The Culture Trip|author=Sam Bedford|date=18 July 2018|access-date=16 January 2019}}</ref> It is located at Channel Street, opposite the Sibu wharf terminal. The central market has food stalls on top floor with dry and wet market on the ground floor. Among the items on sale in this market are exotic fruits, jungle produce, handicrafts, Bario rice, and poultry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu Central Market|url=http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-central-market/|publisher=Sarawak Tourism Board|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312120941/http://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/sibu-central-market/|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Riani|first1=Lily|title=Sibu Central Market (SCM), Sarawak|date=15 September 2013 |url=http://lilyrianitravelholic.blogspot.com/2013/09/sibu-central-market-scm-sarawak.html|access-date=12 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312121400/http://lilyrianitravelholic.blogspot.com/2013/09/sibu-central-market-scm-sarawak.html|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref> There are 1,100 stalls in the market on weekdays and 400-500 additional stalls on weekends when the indigenous people from the interior brought their jungle produce to the market.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hii|first1=Philip|title=Sibu Central Market gives the town its colourful character|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F2%2F5%2Fsouthneast%2F5501881&sec=southneast|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312120700/http://www.thestar.com.my/story/?file=%2F2010%2F2%2F5%2Fsouthneast%2F5501881&sec=southneast|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 March 2015|access-date=12 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=5 February 2010}}</ref>

==Cuisine==
[[File:Diang Miang Ngu.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Dian Mian Hu (鼎边糊).]]
[[File:Kom Biang.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Kompia (光饼).]]
[[File:Kom Biang 2.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Kompia with minced pork.]]
Sibu is well-known for its wide variety of ethnic dishes, especially indigenous food from the Dayaks community and also food inspired from Fuzhou community. The "Bandong walk" project was started in 2012 and was scheduled to be completed in 2015. This project is set to make the Bandong area a [[halal]] food hub of local delicacies for the locals and the tourists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nangka assemblyman proposes 'Bandong Walk' as tourist attraction|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02/12/nangka-assemblyman-proposes-bandong-walk-as-tourist-attraction/|access-date=10 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=12 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209152738/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/02/12/nangka-assemblyman-proposes-bandong-walk-as-tourist-attraction/|archive-date=9 December 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Boon |first1=Peter |title=Bandong Walk set to become a reality |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/19/bandong-walk-set-to-become-a-reality/ |access-date=10 March 2015 |publisher=The Borneo Post |date=19 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209152609/http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/11/19/bandong-walk-set-to-become-a-reality/ |archive-date=9 December 2014 |url-status=unfit }}</ref> Common dishes that can be found all over Sibu include:<ref group="nb" name="Fuzhoudialect">The names are rendered in the [[Fuzhou dialect]], which is often radically different from [[Standard Chinese]]</ref>
* '''Kampua''' noodle (also known as 干盘面 'dry plate noodles') — a dish introduced by early Chinese migrants from Foochow city (Fuzhou) who settled in Sibu, is a simple and filling noodle dish. It consists of homemade noodles mixed with locally available ingredients like pork lard, shallots, and seasonings. The noodles, made from wheat flour, eggs, salt, and water, are boiled, strained, and then tossed with fragrant pork lard, sauces, and seasonings. Slices of pork are added for flavour, and today, Kampua comes in various versions, including plain, dark, and red, with different sauces for distinct flavour profiles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2022 |title=Foochow Kampua: A Simple yet Iconic Noodle Dish from Sibu Sarawak |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/kampua-sibu/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is available at almost all coffee shops and food stalls.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chua|first1=Andy|title='Flying Kampua Mee' in Sibu gets them coming back for seconds|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2013/11/01/Flying-Kampua-Mee-in-Sibu-gets-them-coming-back-for-seconds/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313150708/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Community/2013/11/01/Flying-Kampua-Mee-in-Sibu-gets-them-coming-back-for-seconds/|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 March 2015|access-date=13 March 2015|work=The Star (Malaysia)|date=1 November 2013}}</ref> Halal kampua noodles are available too.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mi Kampua di Pasar Besar Sibu (Kampua Mee at Sibu Central Market)|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pelancongan/20140301/pl_04/Mi-Kampua-di-Pasar-Besar-Sibu|access-date=13 March 2015|work=Utusan Malaysia|date=1 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313151124/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pelancongan/20140301/pl_04/Mi-Kampua-di-Pasar-Besar-Sibu|archive-date=13 March 2015|language=ms}}</ref>
* '''Dian Mian Hu''' (also known as Duëng Mian Ngu or Ding Bian Hu 鼎边糊) — a unique noodle soup from Sibu, has roots in the migration of Fuzhou settlers. Its name translates to "wok edge paste" in Chinese, alluding to its distinctive preparation method. The star of the dish is the flat noodles made from a rice flour batter. This batter is poured along the edge of a hot wok, forming thin dough upon contact. Skilled hands scrape this into the soup, creating the distinct noodles. The soup is a masterpiece, usually featuring a blend of pork and cuttlefish stock, enhanced with local ingredients like Sarawakian white pepper. Diners can add extra flavor with a dash of this aromatic pepper. Some variations even offer a curry-based soup, showcasing local influence. Dian Mian Hu is a sought-after delicacy, primarily enjoyed in eateries due to its specialised preparation techniques.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 May 2022 |title=Ding Bian Hu: The Characteristic Wok Edge Paste Noodles from Sibu Sarawak |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/ding-bian-hu-sibu/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is available at several stalls as a hefty breakfast or a late night supper.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sibu's Famous Diang Miang Ngu|url=http://www.alexallied.com/reviews/food/sibu-famous-diang-miang-ngu|website=alexallied.com|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220083833/http://www.alexallied.com/reviews/food/sibu-famous-diang-miang-ngu|archive-date=20 February 2015|date=14 April 2009}}</ref>
* '''Kompia''' (also known as Guang Bing, [[Kompyang]] or Gom bian 光饼) —  often referred to as "Foochow [[bagel]]s", is a delightful bread akin to bagels with its origins in Fuzhou, China. It made its way to Malaysian towns with a thriving Fuzhou Chinese community, becoming a culinary gem. Legend has it that Kompia was invented by Qi Jiguang, who designed it with a hole in the center for easy portability during military campaigns. The dough is prepared from wheat flour, baking soda, yeast, salt, and water, then shaped into balls with a hole in the center. Traditionally baked in clay ovens, modern versions use conventional ovens. Kompia can be enjoyed plain or with sesame seeds, and regional variations abound. In Sibu, it's often served with stewed pork mince, but creative adaptations include Kompia with donut icing, rojak sauce, and even as a cheeseburger, showcasing its versatility.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 September 2021 |title=Kompia: Iconic Bagels Found in Foochow Towns of Malaysia |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/kompia/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> Traditional soft kompia dipped in pork mince sauce can be sought from Chung Hua road, the Sunday Market at Pedada road, and Sibu Central Market.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tiong Hua Road Sibu's Famous Kompia|url=http://www.wanderlustglutton.com/2014/07/tiong-hua-road-sibus-famous-kompia.html|publisher=Wanderlust Glutton|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313153201/http://www.wanderlustglutton.com/2014/07/tiong-hua-road-sibus-famous-kompia.html|archive-date=13 March 2015}}</ref> There are deep fried variations available throughout the town of Sibu.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kompia (Foochow Bagels) at Seng Kee Agency, Sibu|url=http://silverdolly.blogspot.com/2011/07/kompia-foochow-bagels-at-seng-kee.html|access-date=13 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703122148/http://silverdolly.blogspot.com/2011/07/kompia-foochow-bagels-at-seng-kee.html|archive-date=3 July 2014|date=14 July 2011}}</ref>
* '''Bian Nyuk''' (also known as 扁肉) — meaning 'flattened meat' in the Foochow dialect, is a cherished dish in Sibu, celebrated for its rich Foochow culinary heritage. This delightful [[wonton]]-type dish features a thin and translucent skin called yanpi, which is meticulously crafted without the use of alkaline water, giving it a unique ability to melt in your mouth. Unlike traditional wontons, Bian Nyuk boasts thinner skin and a lighter, less greasy texture. It is typically filled with lean and finely minced pork, resulting in a delicate texture and exquisite taste. Often enjoyed alongside another Sibu breakfast staple, Kampua noodles, Bian Nyuk comes in both soup and dry-tossed variations. Served in various flavours, including the classic white and savoury black with dark soy sauce.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 August 2023 |title=Bian Nyuk: The Delicate Foochow Wontons of Sibu |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/bian-nyuk-sibu/ |access-date=2 September 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Bazhen Soup''' (also known as 八珍汤/八珍药 or Bek Ding Yuok or Eight Rarity Soup) — one of the well-known herbal soups in Sibu. Many people love to drink it since young. It is made up of two recipes of soup, Sijunzi Soup (Four Gentlemen Soup) and Siwu Soup (Four Substance Soup). The Codonopsis, Atractylodes, Poria and Licorice in the recipe are the ingredients from Sijunzi Soup. While the Shudi, Baishao, Angelica and Chuanxiong are the ingredients from Siwu Soup. These eight types of Chinese herbs add up to become Bazhen Tang, which traditionally help to nourish qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and relieve fatigue. Bazhen Soup should be evenly proportioned with sufficient ingredients to make the taste authentic. When paired with Fuzhou longevity noodles, it turns into a delicious dish. Bazhen soup packed could be purchased easily from traditional Chinese herbal shops in Sibu town like Poh Guan Hong and Chew Hock Choon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Featured Products - Bazhen Soup |url=https://www.pohguanhong.com.my/featuredproducts/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Poh Guan Hong 保元行 |date=21 June 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Sarawak Laksa''' — a renowned soup noodle dish originating from Sarawak, is celebrated for its distinctive shrimp-based broth and complex laksa spice paste. This paste, comprising various aromatic ingredients, is sautéed to perfection before being combined with chicken and prawn broth and coconut milk. The broth is seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar, or fish sauce for a balanced flavor. Typically served with thin rice vermicelli noodles and a variety of garnishes including spring onions, prawns, chicken, and egg omelette, Sarawak Laksa is enhanced with a side of shrimp paste and chilli sambal belacan. A halved kalamansi lime is also provided to brighten the dish with a citrusy touch. Renowned chef [[Anthony Bourdain]] hailed it as the "breakfast of the gods", making it a must-try for food enthusiasts worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2022 |title=Sarawak Laksa: Breakfast of the Gods |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/sarawak-laksa/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Tebaloi''' (also known as Tabaloi) — is a traditional [[Melanau people|Melanau]] snack closely linked to the Sarawak region, particularly the Mukah and Dalat districts. It's made from sago flour, desiccated coconut, eggs, and sugar, which are mixed to create a dough. This dough is then flattened on a banana leaf and cooked over a wood fire stove, giving it a unique smoky flavor. Once cooked, the dough is cut into squares, flattened further, and dried to achieve its signature crispiness. Tebaloi comes in various flavours today but maintains its historic ties to the Melanau people's culture and traditions. You can find it in Sibu Central Market and enjoy its delightful textures and tastes during tea time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 June 2022 |title=Tebaloi: The Delicious Sago Snack of the Melanau People |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/tebaloi-sarawak/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Kek Lapis Sarawak''' — is a popular layered cake in Sarawak, known for its vibrant colours and intricate designs. Originating from Indonesia, it was introduced in the 1970s and 1980s and later adapted by Sarawakians with unique flavours and colours. This cake is made using Western cake-making techniques, with a batter of flour, eggs, milk, butter, and various flavourings and colours baked in thin layers. These layers are carefully assembled and bound with condensed milk or jam. The cake's cross-section reveals its kaleidoscopic beauty, showcasing the skill and attention to detail in its creation. Kek Lapis Sarawak is a protected geographical indication of Sarawak since 2010, ensuring its authenticity and quality. Kek Lapis Sarawak can be found easily at Sibu Central Market.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2022 |title=Kek Lapis Sarawak: The Beautiful and Kaleidoscopic Layered Cakes |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/kek-lapis-sarawak/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Manok Pansoh''' (also known as Manuk Pansuhi) — a cherished dish among the [[Dayak people|Dayak]] community in Sarawak, involves cooking marinated chicken inside a bamboo stalk, infusing it with a unique flavor. The chicken is prepared with a mix of aromatic ingredients, including ginger, lemongrass, and more. This marinated chicken is then stuffed into bamboo, sealed with tapioca leaves, and roasted over an open fire, creating a delightful and aromatic dish. Manok Pansoh's exact origin remains a mystery, but its ingenuity and simplicity make it a beloved tradition, initially served during the Gawai Dayak festival but now enjoyed widely at various occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2021 |title=Manok Pansoh: An Ethnic Bamboo Chicken Dish from Sarawak |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/ayam-pansuh-manok-pansoh/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Terung Asam''' (also known as Terung Dayak) — is a unique and sour-tasting fruit cherished by Sarawak's Dayak community. Unlike regular aubergines, it has a round shape, dark green skin turning yellow when ripe, and firm, bright yellow flesh with small seeds in the center. Terung Asam is not only distinct in appearance but also offers impressive nutrition, including vitamin C, calcium, fibre, phosphorus, and potassium. It's commonly used in Sarawak-style sour and spicy soups, where it's combined with lemongrass, chili, ginger, and various proteins like fish, poultry, or meat. Grilling Terung Asam and making it into a spicy sambal is another popular approach. Some even use it to create unique Terung Asam-flavoured ice cream.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2023 |title=Terung Asam: The Flavoursome Sour Eggplant of Sarawak |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/terung-asam-sarawak/ |access-date=2 September 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Empurau —''' known as the "King of the River", is Malaysia's priciest fish, inhabiting clear, swift rivers with a unique taste influenced by its diet of native fruits. Its slow growth contributes to its high cost, with larger specimens fetching prices up to RM2000 per kg. Typically steamed or eaten raw, it offers a delicate flavor and edible scales that chefs transform into crispy snacks. However, wild Empurau populations are dwindling due to overfishing and habitat loss, prompting conservation efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2022 |title=Empurau: The Most Expensive and Unforgettable Fish in Malaysia |url=https://ikanmas.in/malaysian-food/empurau/ |access-date=2 September 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''Rojak Kassim''' — Indian-style rojak (also known as pasembur or Mamak Rojak).<ref name="uticketsibutravel">{{cite web |title=Sibu Travel Guide |url=http://www.utiket.com/en/things-to-see-and-do/sibu/travel-guide-sibu.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313232537/http://www.utiket.com/en/things-to-see-and-do/sibu/travel-guide-sibu.html |archive-date=13 March 2015 |access-date=13 March 2015 |website=uticket.com}}</ref>
* '''[[You char kway|You Zhar Gui]]''' (also known as 油炸桧, 油條, Yau Char Kway, or Kueh Cakoi in Malay) — deep fried twin dough batter often dipped in soup or [[chili sauce]]. It is often eaten together with porridge or Bak Kut Teh (肉骨茶).

==Notable people==

===Politics===
* [[Abang Muhammad Salahuddin|Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng]] – former third and sixth [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak]]<ref name=Sarawakgovernment>{{cite web|title=Official website of the Sarawak Government - Yang di-Pertua Negeri|url=http://www.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/article_view/173/189/|publisher=Sarawak state government|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123225054/http://www.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/article_view/173/189/|archive-date=23 January 2015}}</ref>
* [[Ahmad Zaidi Adruce]] – former fifth [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak]]<ref name=Sarawakgovernment/>
* [[Alice Lau|Alice Lau Kiong Yeng]] – current [[Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat|Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat]]; current [[Parliament of Malaysia|MP]] for [[Lanang (federal constituency)|Lanang]]
* [[Annuar Rapaee]] – current Sarawak's deputy minister of education, innovation and talent development; current [[Sarawak State Legislative Assembly|MLA]] for [[Nangka (state constituency)|Nangka]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Biodata ADUN|url=http://www.dunnangka.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=466|website=dunangka.net|access-date=3 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924122939/http://dunnangka.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=466|archive-date=24 September 2014 }}</ref>
* [[Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah]] – current [[President of the Dewan Negara]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Website of Kuching Port Authority - Board Members|url=http://www.kpa.gov.my/modules/web/page_print.php?id=52|publisher=Kuching Port Authority|access-date=4 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309131739/http://www.kpa.gov.my/modules/web/page_print.php?id=52|archive-date=9 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pesara Cawangan Sibu serah kunci bangunan lama kepada Pejabat Residen (Sibu branch retiree gave the keys of the old building to Resident Office)|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/01/14/pesara-cawangan-sibu-serah-kunci-bangunan-lama-kepada-pejabat-residen/|access-date=4 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=14 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150304042127/http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/01/14/pesara-cawangan-sibu-serah-kunci-bangunan-lama-kepada-pejabat-residen/|archive-date=4 March 2015|language=ms}}</ref>
* [[Fadillah Yusof]] – current [[Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Fadillah's promotion to Works Minister is icing on the cake|url=http://news.abnxcess.com/2013/05/fadillahs-promotion-to-works-minister-is-icing-on-the-cake/|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=ABN news|date=16 May 2013}}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
* [[Oscar Ling Chai Yew]] – current [[Parliament of Malaysia|MP]] for [[Sibu (federal constituency)|Sibu]]
* [[Robert Lau Hoi Chew]] – former [[Parliament of Malaysia|MP]] for [[Sibu (federal constituency)|Sibu]]; former Malaysia's deputy minister of transport<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/4/9/nation/20100409124155&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410221640/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2010%2F4%2F9%2Fnation%2F20100409124155&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 April 2010 |title=Sibu MP and Dep Transport Minister Robert Lau dies (Updated) |date=9 April 2010 |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |publisher=Star Publications |access-date=9 April 2010 }}</ref>
* [[Rosli Dhobi]] – Sarawak's anti-colonial activist
* [[Tiong King Sing]] – current [[Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Malaysia)|Malaysia's minister of tourism, arts and culture]]
* [[Tiong Thai King]] – former MP for Lanang; former chairman of Sibu municipal council<ref name=Alicewon>{{cite news|title=Alice in wonderland over triumph in Lanang constituency|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/05/06/alice-in-wonderland-over-triumph-in-lanang-constituency/|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=6 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609155343/http://www.theborneopost.com/2013/05/06/alice-in-wonderland-over-triumph-in-lanang-constituency/|archive-date=9 June 2013}}</ref>
* [[Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman]] – former second [[Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak]]<ref name=Sarawakgovernment/>
* [[Wong Ho Leng]] – former [[Parliament of Malaysia|MP]] for [[Sibu (federal constituency)|Sibu]]; former [[Sarawak State Legislative Assembly|MLA]] for [[Bukit Assek (state constituency)|Bukit Assek]]; former chairman of Sarawak DAP<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davidson|first1=Desmond|title=Sarawak rep dies of cancer, no by-election for Bukit Assek|url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-state-assemblyman-dies-from-cancer|access-date=3 March 2015|publisher=The Malaysian Insider|date=22 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150303101037/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sarawak-state-assemblyman-dies-from-cancer|archive-date=3 March 2015}}</ref>

===Business===
* [[Tiong Hiew King|Tan Sri Datuk Sir Tiong Hiew King]], Chairman of [[Rimbunan Hijau Group]] and elder brother of Datuk [[Tiong Thai King]]. He was listed as one of the 10 richest Malaysians<ref>{{cite web|last1=Medley|first1=Samuel|title=Ten Richest People in Malaysia|url=http://www.expatgomalaysia.com/2013/05/31/ten-richest-people-in-malaysia-2013/|publisher=ExpatGo Malaysia|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302041703/http://www.expatgomalaysia.com/2013/05/31/ten-richest-people-in-malaysia-2013/|archive-date=2 March 2015|date=31 May 2013}}</ref> and also one of the Malaysians receiving the knighthood from the British Government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Malaysian tycoon bestowed knighthood|url=http://www.mysinchew.com/node/26002|access-date=2 March 2015|publisher=Sin Chew Jit Poh|date=16 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124021604/http://www.mysinchew.com/node/26002|archive-date=24 November 2010}}</ref>
* Datuk Lau Hui Siong, Founder of See Hua Group which publishes [[See Hua Daily News]], [[The Borneo Post]], and Utusan Borneo.<ref>{{cite news|title=See Hua Group saga: Court rules in favour of KTS|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/08/see-hua-group-saga-court-rules-in-favour-of-kts/|access-date=5 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=8 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305144126/http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/05/08/see-hua-group-saga-court-rules-in-favour-of-kts/|archive-date=5 March 2015}}</ref>
* [[Hii King Chiong]], businessman and philanthropist.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/10/13/prominent-businessman-eyes-supp-piasau-top-post/| title=Borneo Post News| date=13 October 2011}}</ref>
* [[Mary Lim]], businesswoman and educator.<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |title=Southeast Asian Personalities of Chinese Descent. A Biographical Dictionary |date=2012 |publisher=[[ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute|ISEAS Publishing]] |isbn=978-981-4345-21-7 |editor-last=Suryadinata |editor-first=Leo |location=Singapore |pages=647–649 |language=en}}</ref>

===Others===
* [[Abang Iskandar Abang Hashim]], former [[President of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia]]
* Andrew Cheng, [[United States|US]]-based musician. He has also been working on concerts with [[Hong Kong]] singers/actors [[William So]], [[Fred Cheng]] and [[Stephanie Ho]] as well as jazz musician Matt Garrison and Shereen Cheong of the Victory Boyd band.<ref>{{cite web|title=US-based Malaysian musician Andrew Cheng rocks the stage|url=https://www.star2.com/people/2018/11/10/malaysian-musician-andrew-cheng/ |publisher=Star2.com |access-date=3 December 2018 |date=10 November 2018|author=Majorie Chew}}</ref>
* [[Edwin Ong Wee Kee]], photographer who became the first Malaysian to win the grand prize of the 8th [[Hamdan International Photography Award]] (Hipa) in [[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates (UAE).<ref>{{cite news|title=Sibu-born Ong wins 8th Hipa|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2019/03/20/sibu-born-ong-wins-8th-hipa/|access-date=20 March 2019|date=20 March 2019|publisher=The Borneo Post}}</ref>
* Gloria Ting Mei Ru, [[Miss Malaysia]] World 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=Miss Malaysia/World|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/22/content_367704.htm|publisher=China Daily|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414145737/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/22/content_367704.htm|archive-date=14 April 2011|date=22 August 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gloria Mei Ru Ting|url=http://www.santabanta.com/contestants.asp?picid=957|publisher=santabanta.com|access-date=2 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302040148/http://www.santabanta.com/contestants.asp?picid=957|archive-date=2 March 2015}}</ref>
* Datuk Dr. Matnor Daim, former director of Education, Malaysia and recipient of National Education Leadership 2011 Award in conjunction of National Level Teachers Day 2011 in Kuching.<ref>{{cite news|title=Matnor Daim receives National Education Leadership 2011 award|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/05/17/matnor-daim-receives-national-education-leadership-2011-award/|access-date=13 March 2015|publisher=The Borneo Post|date=17 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313233710/http://www.theborneopost.com/2011/05/17/matnor-daim-receives-national-education-leadership-2011-award/|archive-date=13 March 2015 }}</ref>
* Ting Ming Siong, a food stall operator, known as the Guinness World Record Holder for the "Most weddings attended by a best man". He attended 1,393 weddings from September 1975 to 2 February 2006)<ref>{{cite web|title=Records of the week: 14th - 18th January 2008 - Most weddings attended by a best man |url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2008/01/080118_2.aspx |publisher=Guinness World Records |access-date=2 March 2015 |date=18 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503184356/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2008/01/080118_2.aspx |archive-date=3 May 2007 }}</ref>
* [[Ting Ung Kee]], a famous traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in Sibu who created the well-known herbal tincture in 1950 known as Ubat Sakit Perut Cap Rusa Sing Kong Chui (鹿标申功水).  There is a wall mural in Sibu town, dedicated to his contribution to Sibu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 February 2013 |title=Legacy of Ting Ung Kee |url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/02/17/legacy-of-ting-ung-kee/ |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=Borneo Post Online |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=30 May 2019 |title=记念中医诗巫留下足迹 首幅3D壁画百年老店旁开画 |url=https://news2a.intimes.my/index.php/2018-07-09-11-40-04/2018-07-09-11-46-38/item/16552-3d |access-date=29 August 2023 |website=news2a.intimes.my |language=en-gb}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Sibu|Diocese of Sibu]], a diocese of the [[Latin Church]] of the Catholic Church in Malaysia
* [[Sibu by-election, 2010]]

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

===Notes===
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

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

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

[[Category:Sibu| ]]
[[Category:Ports and harbours of Malaysia]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1862]]
[[Category:1862 establishments in Sarawak]]