By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, June 9: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is ensuring a fully transparent vendor selection process for this year’s Kuching Festival Food Fair following an overwhelming response of 776 applications for only 330 available stalls.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council had invited members of the media not only to cover the event but also to assist in the balloting process to reinforce public confidence in the fairness of stall allocation.
“As in previous years, your (the media’s) participation helps ensure transparency. This year, we received 776 applications for 330 available stalls, so it’s not an easy task — which is why we’ve called on your (the media’s) support to ensure the process remains fair and transparent,” said Wee during the ‘Ballot-in for 2025 Kuching Festival Fair for Premium, Single, and Half Stalls’ event held at the MBKS Council Chamber here today.
He revealed that applications far exceeded stall categories available: 26 applicants for 25 double stalls, 225 for 92 premium stalls, 288 for 55 single stalls, and 224 for 146 half stalls. Applications were also received for association, beverage, and beer stalls, totalling 776 submissions.
Wee explained that the delay in stall allocation this year was due to a careful selection process, particularly for vendors demonstrating creativity and innovation.
“We want vendors to offer not just food, but also elements of creativity and innovation,” he said.
The mayor further assured unsuccessful applicants that their deposits would be refunded, adding that any vacant slots resulting from no-shows or unpaid fees would be filled through a systematic replacement process.
“One reason for the delay in processing some of the deposits is to account for cases where applicants do not turn up or fail to make payment. In such situations, we will need to reselect from the remaining applicants.
“These are the necessary steps we have to go through — but rest assured, we will not delay the return of any deposit that is due.”
Furthermore, Wee highlighted that the council is also encouraging vendors to decorate their stalls as a way to promote creativity.
“Those who win the ‘Best Decorated Booth’ award will be given the privilege to choose their stall location first — just like the winners who were present today. The same priority applies to the highest donors.
“You may be wondering what we mean by ‘highest donor.’ Before the end of the festival, we will be collecting voluntary donations from all participating vendors for charitable causes.
“The funds collected will then be distributed among over 20 NGOs (non-governmental organisations). So, the vendor who contributes the highest donation will also be given priority in stall selection,” he said, adding that beyond encouraging creativity in stall design, the initiative also aims to foster a spirit of charity and giving back to the community.
Wee reminded all participating vendors to fulfil the necessary health and safety requirements, including vaccination, medical check-ups, and certified food handling training, which he said would be valuable for future food business opportunities.
The 2025 Kuching Festival Food Fair is scheduled to take place at the MBKS grounds from July 25 to Aug 17. — DayakDaily
