By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 28: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has engaged hawkers at Hui Sing Hawker Centre to discuss ways to improve the trading environment, enhance customer comfort and promote local food heritage in line with Kuching’s identity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
The dialogue provided a platform for hawkers to raise concerns about their daily operations and propose practical improvements to the centre, which serves as a popular spot for affordable meals and local delicacies.
Also present was MBKS councillor Judy Kho, chairlady of the Standing Committee of Market and Petty Traders, together with committee members.
Wee emphasised the importance of cooperation between the council and hawkers in maintaining a clean, orderly and welcoming dining environment while supporting the livelihoods of local traders.
“Maintaining a clean and comfortable environment is important in ensuring that customers enjoy their dining experience and feel encouraged to return,” he said in a media release today.
He said attention to hygiene, customer service, proper waste disposal and the upkeep of shared spaces would help improve the overall experience for customers visiting the hawker centre.
Beyond improving its physical environment, Hui Sing Hawker Centre also has the potential to play a greater role in showcasing Kuching’s diverse food culture.
Wee acknowledged that hawker centres remain an integral part of the city’s community life, offering affordable meals while preserving recipes, flavours and culinary traditions passed down through generations.
“Kuching’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy offers a valuable platform to showcase this heritage.
“Promoting hawker food as part of the city’s wider gastronomy identity can help local traders reach more residents and visitors while strengthening appreciation for the people and skills behind familiar dishes,” he said.
Promotional opportunities could include featuring Hui Sing’s hawkers and signature dishes in food campaigns, sharing the stories behind their recipes and using digital platforms and visitor information channels to introduce the centre to a wider audience.
“These efforts could help local traders benefit from Kuching’s international recognition while encouraging residents and visitors to explore the city’s everyday food culture,” he said.
Wee emphasised that a positive dining experience would complement such promotional initiatives.
“Clean tables, clear walkways, proper waste management and friendly service can help create a more welcoming environment for families and other customers,” he added.
Kho and the committee members also had the opportunity to hear directly from hawkers about the challenges they encounter in their daily operations and their suggestions for improving the centre.
The concerns and feedback gathered during the dialogue will help MBKS and the committee assess appropriate follow-up measures and identify areas requiring attention.
Through continued engagement and shared responsibility, MBKS aims to work with hawkers towards a cleaner and more welcoming Hui Sing Hawker Centre while strengthening its role in preserving and promoting Kuching’s local food heritage. — DayakDaily
