Photo by Owen Choo from Google. It is the first mural in Sibu at Jalan Khoo Peng Loong, just opposite the Kapit wharf.
Sibu wharves at one time was famous for men who worked very hard to carry heavy loads. They used a red cotton towel which they would tie around their waist or put over their head.
They loaded and unloaded motor launches travelling to many towns along the Rajang River. These wharf labourers were called Tong Kak Koh in Foochow. They lived a very hard life and often earned a small amount. Most were daily paid.
The leader would have a bigger salary because he would be the one who tried his best to garner the contract to load and unload the ships and motor launches. These Kepala became quite rich after some years.
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