By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 30: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has called on prospective food vendors to showcase creativity and innovation as the city targets over one million visitors for this year’s Kuching Festival Food Fair, set to run from July 25 to August 17 at the MBKS grounds.
Wee reminded food vendors that Kuching’s status as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy should be reflected in the quality and creativity of the festival’s food offerings.
“We are the creative city of gastronomy. So please make your food creative — then you have the privilege to be first to be considered,” he said during a press conference on the 2025 Kuching Festival Food Fair held at the MBKS building here today.
Food vendors are encouraged to include supporting materials such as photos or videos of their culinary creations to strengthen their bids.
“If you want a better chance, submit whatever you have invented. You can submit with your picture or even a video — show us why we should select you. You’re most welcome,” he added.
Tender applications for food stalls officially opened today, with the number of stalls remaining unchanged from previous years — 330 in total.
Stall pricing remains the same as last year: half stall at RM650, single stall at RM1,300, international/premium stall at RM3,600, and double stall at RM5,400 (by tender, minimum reserve price).
Application forms for half stalls, single stalls, and international or premium stalls are available at Counters 8 and 9 at the One Stop Counter in the MBKS Lobby, from 8am to 4pm daily starting today. All applications, along with processing and deposit payments, must be submitted by 4pm on May 8.
Meanwhile, tender documents for double stalls can also be obtained at the same counters, and completed tenders must be submitted to MBKS by 12pm on May 14.
Wee said the festival team is confident that, with the right level of innovation and variety, the event will once again meet and potentially exceed its annual target of attracting one million visitors.
“Every year our target is a million — whatever above that is a plus,” he said.
In addition to the food fair, the 2025 Kuching Festival Food Fair will feature a full lineup of activities, including the Garden Show, Kuching Got Talent, Mayor’s Walk, Zumba Fiesta, Folk Dance showcase, Martial Arts Display, Traditional Oriental Music night, and the International Friendship Cities Night featuring performers from China and Japan. Also featured are the Kuching Half Marathon and a Fishing Competition, both promoting health and outdoor engagement.
The council is also finalising the theme for this year’s lighting and landscaping displays at the festival park.
Wee added that the design process will go through a transparent tender procedure, with further details to be announced once the concept receives approval from the festival committee.
“With just two months to go, we are excited to welcome everyone back. So far, we’ve not disappointed anyone — and we aim to bring something new again this year,” he said.
Also present were MBKS Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili and other officials. — DayakDaily
