By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 4: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has clarified that it did not ignore water supply disruptions affecting hawkers at Kenyalang market and the hawker centre, stressing that immediate relief measures, including the installation of water storage tanks, have already been implemented while awaiting a permanent solution from Sarawak Water.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council has taken proactive steps from the outset of the water disruption issue, rejecting claims that it had been passive in addressing the concerns of affected hawkers.
He said MBKS had engaged Sarawak Water early on and formally sought urgent intervention to address persistent low water pressure affecting both Kenyalang market and Bintawa market.
“The welfare of our hawkers has always been our priority. Long before recent public statements were made, MBKS had already engaged Sarawak Water and formally requested urgent intervention to resolve the problem,” he said in a statement today.
On May 25, 2026, he had written to the chairman of Sarawak Water highlighting ongoing low water pressure issues at the two markets. The letter detailed how the disruptions were affecting hawkers’ daily operations, including food preparation, hygiene standards, and overall business continuity.
Wee said MBKS did not stop at raising the matter with the relevant authority, noting that the council also implemented interim measures to reduce the impact on affected traders.
As a short-term solution, MBKS installed water storage tanks at Kenyalang market to ensure hawkers could continue their operations despite the disruption. The measure, he said, was intended to minimise business interruptions while awaiting technical rectification by the water authority.
“Recognising that permanent rectification requires technical assessment and implementation by the water authority, MBKS took practical steps on the ground to assist affected hawkers,” he added.
Wee stressed that the council’s role extends beyond raising complaints, emphasising that MBKS has been actively engaging agencies and implementing immediate solutions within its jurisdiction.
He also said that while MBKS continues to work closely with Sarawak Water, the pipeline issue falls under the utility provider’s responsibility and requires a permanent engineering solution.
“We believe problems are solved through action, cooperation and continuous engagement, not merely through public criticism,” he said.
Wee added that MBKS appreciates the cooperation from Sarawak Water so far and will continue pressing for a long-term and sustainable resolution to ensure a stable water supply for the affected markets.
While MBKS welcomes constructive suggestions from all parties, he however urged that public discussions should fairly acknowledge the efforts already undertaken by the council, rather than creating the impression of inaction.
“The facts are clear. MBKS has acted, MBKS is continuing to act, and MBKS will remain committed to ensuring the well-being of our hawkers and the communities we serve,” he said. — DayakDaily
