KUCHING, Dec 18: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has urged the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) not to dismantle sun-tents at the Padungan Seasonal Fruit Market on Jalan Abell until the outcome of the hawkers’ proposed meeting with the council is known, as the hawkers rely on the sun-tents to trade.
Chong, who is also Padungan MP, stated in a letter dated Dec 18 addressed to MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng that the hawkers have erected sun-tents without issue since the beginning of operating their business at the site, and that the hawkers have expressed confusion about the sudden issuance of notices to remove the sun-tents.
Lee Boo Huat, Sim Khoo Yong, and Ignatius Anthony Ang Kai Lun are the three hawkers at the Padungan Seasonal Fruit Market who sell durians and other local fruits.
“Both Lee and Ang were served the notices on Dec 5 and Sim was served on Dec 6. The notice requires all the three to remove all the sun-tents erected by them at the above-mentioned premise within 14 days from the date of service of the notices.
“Both Sim and Lee have been selling durian and other local fruits at the premises for more than 10 years, and Ang has been operating a similar stall there for several years.
“The sun-tents are essential to their trade to provide the necessary shelter against scorching sun and rainy days for themselves and their customers. Without the sun-tents, it would be almost impossible for the three to continue selling durians and other local fruits,” Chong explained in the letter.
He said that MBKS officers verbally informed the hawkers that they would not be permitted to continue selling at the site, so the council issued the Notices to the hawkers.
“These words came as a shock to all three. They have been trading at the fruit market for years and have cooperated fully with your council during this period. They have also maintained the cleanliness of the place well. As such, there was no breach of any of the conditions set by your council on their licence to trade at the Fruit Market.
“They are the sole bread-earners of their families. Not allowing them to continue trading at the market will immediately put them out of business and cut off the only source of income of their families.
“Given the severe impact of the notices and your council’s decision, the three hawkers wish to seek a meeting with your good office to clarify the matter. As the notices will take effect in a day or two, we shall be much obliged if your good self will meet up with the hawkers today or tomorrow,” the Stampin MP said. — DayakDaily
