By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 14: A group of local organic farmers in Kuching who have been moving from one venue to another to sell their produce together may have found a permanent spot thanks to Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market was initially a nomad group who would move around to find a new destination every week for them to sell their organic goods.
“I met with them on their fourth display, and I personally went there to have a look and concluded that this sort of market needs to be encouraged.
“Thus, I offered them that we (MBKS) have a space for them and see if they were willing to come in here,” he said during the farmers’ market held at Car Park B in MBKS Compound today.
He also said the market’s number of stalls has increased to 28 today, compared to only 23 stalls when they started several weeks ago.
“When this place cannot accommodate them anymore, we will set up a market for them. That’s a promise, but you must have enough people (customers) to patronise your stalls.
“Let’s make a different type of market called farmers’ market; not a huge market for big farms and all that, but we are looking for those people who are doing it as a hobby and farming from home,” he added.
Wee further stressed that the group’s efforts aligned with MBKS’ vision of a smart and healthy city.
“Food intake is very important. I am not asking everyone to be a vegetarian but to adopt a healthier diet by choosing natural and organic food,” he emphasised.
Nevertheless, he reminded the public to apply for a permit before using public spaces for business. — DayakDaily
