Costing RM800,000, the project under the Sibu Foochow Associa-tion is set to incorporate distinctive features and the historical background of 10 Foochow clans.
Considered to be the only park of its kind in the world, it will also be a new landmark for Sibu.
At the ground-breaking ceremony, Dudong assemblyman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the park would be a good place for recreational activities.
“This is a smart cooperation project between Sibu Foochow Association and Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).
“In addition to showing the spirit of solidarity and cooperation between the private sector and government departments, we hope to see Fuzhou Park become a green, artistic and leisure space that provides the people with healthy activities,” he said.
Tiong, who is Bintulu MP, hoped that the council would maintain the park well for many years to come as it depicts the cultural characteristics of the Foochow community.
“Its ancient and elegant appearance is like the fighting spirit of the Foochow, who in the early days travelled far from China to the South Ocean and took root in Sibu.”
Tiong, who gave a government grant of RM300,000 for the project, said over the years, these early settlers overcame many challenges in helping Sibu develop.
“Now it is our descendants’ turn to step forward.
“Learn from the mistakes and deficiencies of the past and face the problems that have yet to be resolved today with a positive attitude.
“Let’s revive and rebuild together, so that Sibu will have a better tomorrow,” he urged.
He said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg greatly admired this park.
“The Sarawak premier admires the design concept of World Fuzhou Shiyi Park.
“He believed that another wider site could be found for construction and said he would allocate 0.8ha to 1.2ha of land to show his support.
“I hope that the Foochow Association can actively communicate and cooperate with the Land and Survey Department as well as Sarawak government in the future, so that the World Fuzhou Shiyi Park can be realised as soon as possible,” urged Tiong.
Also present was SMC chairman Clarence Ting.