By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 23: Ramadan bazaar traders are the gastronomy ambassadors for Kuching City who help to introduce and showcase Sarawak, to foreign visitors especially, through local and traditional foods.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that a Ramadan bazaar is an opportune place for the community to increase their income while showcasing and sharing about traditional and popular foods from Sarawak, more so when Kuching City has been recognised as a Unesco City of Gastronomy since 2021.
“We should be proud that Kuching City in Sarawak is standing at par with 36 cities from around the world which obtained the international recognition.
“With this recognition, Sarawakians can introduce traditional and local foods to foreign tourists who are visiting Sarawak. They will have the opportunity to get a taste of our delicious food and introduced our uniqueness and specialty to the world,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted this in his text-of-speech read out by Deputy Minister of Energy and Environment Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni when launching the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Ramadan Bazaar 2023 at the compound of Stutong Market here today.
With the bazaar featuring 166 stalls offering various kinds of food and beverages, he added that it also provides opportunity for the diverse community in Sarawak to find and try out local specialties served during the holy month of Ramadan.
Abang Johari also reminded all traders to ensure the cleanliness of not only the trading site but also hygiene in the preparation of food and drinks.
“Prioritise cleanliness and hygiene to avoid any untoward incidents like food poisoning.
“All traders should have ethics in doing business by selling honestly and sincerely as well as selling delicious, clean and halal food,” he added.
Abang Johari also commended MBKS for holding this annual bazaar which focuses on a people-centric culture.
Taking the opportunity to wish the Muslim community a generous and blessed Ramadan, he also reminded them to reflect on the bad and wrong, do good deeds, care for parents and strengthen ties with family, friends and others in the community.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Hilmi Othman and bazaar organising chairperson Drahman Jaladin were among those present. — DayakDaily
