By Amanda L
KUCHING, Jan 20: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has reiterated that seasonal fruit traders must operate only from approved locations following complaints from pedestrians and business owners over roadside sales.
MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the complaints largely involved fruit sellers operating along roadsides and kaki lima (five-foot ways), where stalls were obstructing pedestrian movement, shopfronts, and traffic flow.
“These complaints usually come from pedestrians and business owners who are affected when walkways and shop entrances are blocked,” he told reporters after a press conference on the “Nurturing Young Hearts Through Calligraphy” programme here today.
He said the situation becomes more serious during the rainy season, when covered walkways are occupied by fruit stalls, forcing pedestrians onto the road and creating safety risks.
While acknowledging that peak fruit seasons often lead to oversupply and increased informal selling, Wee stressed that MBKS does not encourage roadside sales, particularly when they disrupt public access and business operations.
“We understand the need for traders to earn a living, but this should not compromise pedestrian safety or affect other businesses,” he said.
To facilitate more orderly trading, Wee said MBKS has provided a designated site in Tabuan Jaya for seasonal fruit sales, including durians.
He added that enforcement is carried out in accordance with existing laws and ordinances, with the council generally adopting a measured approach by issuing several warnings before escalating action.
“In many cases, warnings are issued more than five times. However, if advice continues to be ignored and the situation worsens, firmer action may be taken,” he said.
Wee noted that problems often arise when small-scale roadside selling expands into larger operations that encroach onto roads and pedestrian areas.
He also reiterated that the seasonal fruit selling allowance is intended to support local farmers and local produce, not traders dealing in imported fruits.
“We want economic activities to continue, but they must be orderly. Cooperation from traders is essential to maintain safety, cleanliness, and fairness in the city,” he said. — DayakDaily
