By Christine T
KUCHING, Oct 30: The 37-year-old Pending Jetty Hawker Centre has received a RM298,814 makeover, with Kuching South City Council (MBKS) hoping the upgraded facilities will attract more customers, boost hawkers’ earnings, and turn the area into a stronger food and historical attraction.
The contractor officially handed back the upgraded Pending Jetty Hawker Centre site to MBKS today, following the completion of works on Oct 20, seven days ahead of the scheduled Oct 27 deadline.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the upgrading works began on July 28 and aimed to provide better business conditions for hawkers and a more comfortable dining environment for customers.
He said the centre, which has 11 stalls, has served factory workers, nearby residents, and people travelling from across the river, including Kampung Muhibbah, since its establishment in 1989.
The upgrading works included replacing the roof and supporting structure; improving stall interiors and serving areas; replacing floor tiles, door grilles, roller shutters, ceilings, and sinks; and repainting the exterior walls.
Wee said the project was part of MBKS’ broader effort to rejuvenate Pending Jetty, which also houses the monument commemorating the Japanese armed forces’ surrender.
He noted that the area served as a stopover for people travelling between Kampung Muhibbah and the city, with some stopping for breakfast or refreshments before work and others picking up groceries on their way home.
With the hawker centre and historical monument in the same area, he believes both attractions could complement each other and draw more visitors.
“Those visiting the monument can stop for a meal or a drink at the hawker centre. Likewise, customers coming here for food can take the opportunity to visit the monument,” he said.
He also encouraged tour guides and tour operators to include Pending Jetty in their itineraries, saying the combination of local food and history offered visitors another way to experience Kuching.
Wee said the improvements were also significant for hawkers whose livelihoods depend on daily business to support their families, particularly as Kuching continues to build on its recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
He expressed hope that the upgraded premises would encourage regular customers to return while attracting new visitors who may not have previously patronised the centre.
Wee added that MBKS would continue monitoring its projects to ensure proper implementation, stressing that the council completed the Pending Jetty upgrade through its established tender, evaluation, endorsement, and monitoring processes.
“The public can rest assured that the city council will continue to provide support and closely monitor all projects to ensure they are properly implemented,” he said.
He also urged hawkers to keep their stalls clean, display prices clearly, and provide good service, while encouraging the public to keep supporting the traders at the centre. —DayakDaily
