By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Feb 7: In the spirit of Chinese New Year (CNY), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) hosted a luncheon gathering for Bintawa Market hawkers as a gesture of appreciation and to foster closer ties with the city council.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the gathering is part of a series of engagements with hawker centres across the city.
“This is to show our appreciation to all the hawkers who have been operating in this area for many years and who play an important role in providing affordable food for nearby residents and worker,” he told reporters during the gathering today.
Wee highlighted MBKS’ ongoing commitment to hawkers, pointing out that the council has never raised rentals and often provides grants to improve market facilities.
He also described the luncheon as a reunion that connects hawkers with council members and allows them to provide feedback directly to MBKS.
“This is about keeping everyone connected and giving hawkers the space to share what needs to be improved, the issues they are facing, or anything they want to bring to our attention. We will continue with this, and it is not the first time we are doing it,” he said.
He noted that regular visits and mobile services by MBKS officers are designed to keep traders connected and bridge any communication gaps with the council.
“I want to tell them (that), we hear you, we see you, and we are here for you,” he added.
The gathering’s highlight was a potluck-style display of hawkers’ own dishes and kuih (cakes), prepared with support from MBKS.
“You can see and feel the sense of belonging. This place is yours, and we, the city council, are part of your family too,” he said. — DayakDaily
