Rajang River’s Gateway of Culture, Commerce & Community
Sibu Division, nestled along the mighty Rajang River, is a region where modern commerce meets deep tradition. With Sibu Town as its administrative and commercial hub, the division plays a central role in river transport, trade, religion, and cultural identity in central Sarawak.
Formation & Historical Background
Established as a division under the Brooke administration, grew rapidly in the 20th century
Major development linked to Chinese migration, especially the Foochow community
Strategic location along Rajang River enabled growth in timber, agriculture, and shipping
Today, Sibu is known as the cultural capital of Central Sarawak
Basic Information
Category
Details
Division Name
Sibu Division
State
Sarawak
Division Center
Sibu Town
Area
Approx. 8,278 sq. km
Population (2025 est.)
Approx. 320,000
Main Ethnic Groups
Chinese (mainly Foochow), Iban, Melanau, Malay
Districts in Sibu Division (2 total)
District Name
Administrative Center
Known For
Sibu
Sibu Town
Commerce, river port, Christian and Chinese culture
Kanowit
Kanowit Town
Rural Iban areas, longhouses, heritage farming
Local Governance & Representation
Position / Role
Name (2025 est.)
Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)
Puan Sylvia Ting
Coordinates urban planning and rural outreach
District Officers
Present in Sibu and Kanowit
Administer trade, infrastructure, river services
MPs & ADUNs
Represent both town and interior areas
Advocate for education, business, youth support
Key Features & Attractions
Rajang River Cruise – Connects Sibu with Kapit, Song, Belaga
Tua Pek Kong Temple & Pagoda – Landmark Chinese religious site
Sibu Central Market – One of Malaysia’s largest covered markets
Sibu Heritage Centre – History of Foochow and Melanau communities
Bawang Assan Longhouses – Iban village tourism
Bukit Lima Nature Reserve – Urban green escape and birdwatching
Economy & Livelihood
Timber Industry – Historically dominant, now transitioning to sustainable forestry
Agriculture – Oil palm, pepper, fruit orchards, wet rice
Trade & Commerce – River transport-based economy
Food Industry – Famous for Foochow noodles, kampua mee, kompia
Education & Printing – Publishing centers and mission schools
Transport & Connectivity
Sibu Airport (SBW) – Links to Kuching, Miri, Kota Kinabalu, KL
Rajang River Express Boats – Lifeline to rural upriver towns
Inter-town roads connecting to Mukah, Sarikei, Bintulu
Local bus and van services within the division
Education & Healthcare
University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS)
Private colleges, Chinese independent schools, public education centers
Sibu Hospital – Regional medical hub
Specialist clinics and rural health outreach in Kanowit
Culture & Local Cuisine
Strong Chinese-Foochow influence, alongside Iban and Melanau traditions
Borneo Cultural Festival, Lunar New Year, Gawai Dayak
Summary
Sibu Division is a vibrant crossroads of Sarawak’s river trade, spiritual depth, and multicultural lifestyle. Whether sailing down the Rajang River, exploring temples and longhouses, or savoring a bowl of authentic Foochow noodles, Sibu invites you to experience the heartbeat of central Sarawak.
