Sibu

About Sibu

Sibu is a 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 129.5 square kilometres (50.0 sq mi), the city is positioned at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, approximately 60 kilometres from the South China Sea and 191.5 kilometres (119 mi) north-east of the state capital, Kuching.

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.

On 1 June 1873, under the administration of the Brooke family, the third division of Sarawak was established, later 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".

In the 15th century, a historical event occurred in the region of southern Sarawak, which led to the displacement of immigrant Iban communities towards what is now known as the Sibu...

Overview adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA. Photography via Wikimedia Commons.