By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 23: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) was left with no choice but to act firmly against a fruit trader who is a repeated offender and had been issued at least seven official warnings alongside countless verbal reminders for obstructing public walkways, creating safety risks and disrupting traffic while trading in a commercial area in Jalan Chan Bee Kiew.
Speaking during his ShallWeeTalk live session on Saturday (Nov 22), MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stressed that the council had acted only after numerous complaints, particularly from members of the public and bank patrons who were forced to walk onto the road because the trader repeatedly blocked the five-foot way and parked his van in a manner that caused congestion and occupied half of the road, endangering pedestrians.
Official warnings were issued on June 25, Aug 2, Aug 12 and Dec 24 in 2024, and again on April 23 and June 25 this year, in addition to countless verbal reminders.
Wee explained that the trader had a long history of defying regulations and evading enforcement by shifting from one location to another, despite being offered a proper and legal trading site at the Tabuan Jaya MYKiosk area.
“Two years ago, he operated in Padungan. After warnings, he moved to Travillion. Then he shifted to 3rd Mile under Padawan Municipal Council (MPP). After being warned again, he came back to the bank area in Jalan Chan Bee Kiew.
“MBKS received many complaints about obstruction, safety risks and traffic disruption, prompting the council to take firm action,” he said.
Wee expressed disappointment that a viral video showing part of the incident had led to misunderstandings, as the footage did not show the full extent of the obstruction, including fruits such as durian, langsat and rambutan placed across the walkway and beside vehicles.
“I think people must look at the whole situation. You cannot just see one angle and then say, ‘Why did the council act like that?’” he said, adding that even some political party members had criticised the council without verifying the facts.
He emphasised that the council would still be obligated to act even in the absence of complaints because enforcement cannot be selective or optional, more so when the offending trader had repeatedly violated regulations and refused alternative solutions.
“If a repeat offender continues this behaviour and we still do not act, then what would the public think? We even offered him a proper site at Tabuan Jaya MYKiosk. Why won’t he go?” he said, warning that failure to enforce could turn Kuching into a “cowboy town”.
A former local assemblyman also highlighted that the trader’s van was parked in a manner that obstructed traffic, making it difficult for cars to pass through the narrow and busy road.
He also noted that MBKS usually empathises with traders without permits unless firm action is necessary, recognising that everyone faces challenges in making a living. However, he emphasised that trading must be conducted in a manner considerate to others in society.
Wee also condemned the trader’s behaviour during the incident, noting that the man uttered a “very sensitive and unacceptable word” towards enforcement officers.
“I apologise to my enforcement team. He should never have used such a word. We do not want to create racial issues,” he said, expressing disappointment that officers performing their duties are often subjected to harsh comments and verbal abuse despite following procedure and acting for public safety.
He urged the public to support the council’s enforcement efforts rather than judge officers based on incomplete online clips.
“Every time they take action, they get scolded. Confiscation is not simple. First-time offenders can still pay penalties and reclaim their goods. But if someone repeats the offence seven or eight times and still refuses to comply, then legally we cannot allow it anymore,” he said.
Wee concluded by calling on the public to view enforcement actions in full context rather than judge based on incomplete clips circulating online, and to recognise the council’s responsibility to protect public safety and maintain order in the interest of the community’s wellbeing. — DayakDaily
