Sibu's Government Wharf 1960's

From the 60's until I left for university, I would be waiting at this spot, near the Tua Pek Kong Temple, for my Ngie Mah (maternal Grandmother) to arrive from down river at about 8 in the morning. She would come by the river motor launch, usually the Sing Hai Huong, or Wong Doong.

I was always glad to hear the boat siren, announcing its arrival. The passengers would all crowd to the bow to be the first to get onto the pontoon. Grandma would be the last to alight.

While waiting I would watch other boats and ships. And this would be the typical sight of the morning.

By the time I graduated in 1973, this was no longer the same scenario. The RPA was established and it really looked different with many of the sights sealed off.

Before the Rajang Port Authority came into being in November 1971, the Royal Customs & Excise Department was in control of its operations and the Public Works Department in charge of its infrastructure maintenance. The RPA was established under Section 3 of the Port Authorities Ordinances, 1961 (Sarawak) on lst Nov 1970 and commenced its operation on 17th May 1971. It is a State Statutory Body.

By 1974, containerized cargo and conventional cargo were very much part of the commercial activities in Sibu.

Greater security was imposed and the public could no longer watch the sunset from the Government wharf any more.