By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 21: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has received a total of 419 stall applications for the coming Kuching Festival as of 4pm yesterday (May 20).
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Kuching Festival had never seen such an overwhelming response from local businesses, as compared to the 280 stalls back in 2019.
Although MBKS targeted to set up only 250 stalls this year in consideration of Covid-19, he said the organising committee would review all applications and decide whether to allow more stalls to operate, due to popular request.
“We have never received so many applications before. Of course, we will review all the applications, and based on the categories of the businesses, we try our best to adjust and maybe increase the allowed capacity,” he said.
He also reminded that there are three more days to go before the submission deadline on May 24 for the Kuching Festival stall applications.
Meanwhile, Wee clarified that there would be tables and chairs provided during Kuching Festival for the public to enjoy their food.
He said many applicants had approached MBKS to inquire whether it was true that the public would not be allowed to dine-in at the venue as no dining areas would be set up.
“Here I wish to clarify that there will certainly be tables and chairs provided, otherwise how would the people sit and eat?
“I don’t understand why such a rumour would be started as to disrupt the progress of Kuching Festival, but anyway, don’t listen to rumours.
“If you have any doubts, come and ask us directly,” said Wee during his ShallWeeTalk Facebook live session today.
The much anticipated Kuching Festival 2022, which returns after a two year hiatus will take place from July 29 to Aug 21 with the theme ‘Kuching’s Best Creative Food & Culture’ at the MBKS community hall at Jalan Padungan. — DayakDaily
