By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 2: Three major public markets under the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) were officially lit up today in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, as part of efforts to enhance the festive atmosphere and encourage the public to support local traders.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian earlier officiated lighting-up ceremonies at Stutong Community Market, Petanak Market and Kenyalang Park Market.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the lighting-up events form part of MBKS’ broader initiative to make public markets more attractive and welcoming, especially during the festive season.
He said the initiative is closely linked to the council’s ‘Love Your Markets’ campaign, which aims to encourage the public to support local products and hawkers.
“These decorations are meant to create a better atmosphere for people who patronise the markets.
“It is also part of our effort to encourage everyone to come in and support our local hawkers whether they are selling vegetables, meat or prepared food,” he said when met at Petanak Market.
Wee noted that MBKS manages the highest number of markets among city councils, making market maintenance and sustainability an ongoing challenge.
“It is not easy to maintain so many markets, but we are trying our best. That is why we launched the ‘Love Your Markets’ campaign not only to serve nearby residents, but also to ensure our local products continue to have a place to be displayed and sold,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of preserving traditional produce and market culture, warning against over-reliance on supermarkets.
“We do not want to see a day when our traditional vegetables and local plant species are no longer available in our markets, and the only choice left is to go to supermarkets in shopping centres,” he said.
Wee encouraged families to bring their children to the markets to experience traditional market culture and people-to-people interaction.
Additionally, he noted that MBKS has not increased rental rates for hawkers for many years as part of its support for their livelihoods. — DayakDaily
