By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 29: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) will soon take enforcement action against illegal hawkers who have refused multiple offers to relocate, Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng clarified today, addressing public concerns over vacant MyKiosk stalls in Tabuan Jaya.
Wee said the council had exhausted its efforts in briefing and interviewing unlicensed hawkers operating in the surrounding area of the MyKiosk site, but most had declined the relocation offer without providing any valid reason.
“So here we are, we’ve provided a space for them. We’ve been engaging with them, trying to persuade them, but convincing people takes time.
“Now, I believe there’s no other choice. We will issue a final notice to all illegal hawkers. If they still refuse to move, we will proceed with enforcement,” he told reporters today during a visit to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya here.
The MyKiosk initiative, led by the federal government and facilitated by MBKS, aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by providing standardised, safer, and more affordable business spaces.
The programme prioritises applicants from the B40 income group and is especially targeted at unlicensed traders currently operating in unsuitable or unsafe locations.
Under the programme, 28 kiosks have been set up at Tabuan Jaya, with each unit capped at a rental rate of not more than RM300 per month as per federal guidelines.
MBKS, however, is offering a rental of RM280 for six months, equivalent to less than RM2 per day, after a six-month free rental period.
“This is our offer: six months of free rental. We have been instructed to follow a guideline that limits rental charges to not more than RM300 per month.
“As for us, with additional privileges from MBKS, we are charging RM280 for six months. That works out to less than RM2 per day,” said Wee.
The mayor also stressed that MBKS has taken deliberate steps to ensure the programme does not disrupt nearby businesses, including supermarkets and markets in the area.
He noted that the relocation plan was carefully considered to balance the needs of traders with public safety and community interest.
He also responded to criticism faced by the council in previous enforcement efforts, particularly when the council dismantled a canopy at a durian stall in Padungan.
“When they started to remove the canopy, who came and shouted? Saying we are heartless, we are not helping the community. But here we are, providing a place for them. We are trying to talk to them, trying to convince them. It takes time,” he said.
Wee also urged the public and lawmakers not to politicise the issue or portray the council as being unsympathetic when enforcement begins.
“When enforcement action is taken, I hope no one comes forward to defend those who are in the wrong.
“Stand up for what is right, especially if you are a lawmaker. You should be encouraging people to obey the law, not to fight against it or challenge it unjustly.”
He warned that continued resistance and politicisation could jeopardise future federal funding for similar community programmes.
“If you cannot help us secure more funding from the federal government, then don’t let this issue jeopardise our future allocations. It will have an impact,” he said.
It was reported that Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen raised the issue of the MyKiosk units at Tabuan Jaya remaining unoccupied more than six months after their construction, during a Facebook Live video broadcast in conjunction with his site visit on May 27. — DayakDaily
