KUCHING: Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman has urged the business community under his jurisdiction to voice their concerns and complaints to DBKU.
The call was made during a meeting on Tuesday (June 11) with the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Kuching Branch chairwoman Datuk Lily Yong and Special Assistant and Coordinator to DBKU, Nicholas Wung.
The meeting sought to address issues affecting Jalan Main Bazaar, Carpenter Street, India Street, Gambier Street, and Ewe Hai Street.
According to a press statement, key among these were the weekend road closures (first and third weeks of the month) that have been disrupting business operations.
“Business owners have reported significant negative impacts due to these closures, as they operate for only half a day on weekends.
“Additionally, the Indian Muslim community has suggested festive decorations to enhance the cultural vibrancy of India Street during festive seasons,” said Wung.
He also proposed infrastructure improvements in the Kuching Old Town areas to enhance accessibility and convenience for residents and visitors, based on feedback from local residents and business owners.
To this end, Hilmy said he believed in addressing issues and problems by meeting with the people.
“If you do not bring forth the problems or are too ‘shy’ to do so, how can we assist? To me, engaging with the public, association or organisation is the first step to solving problems. Be brave to speak out so we can assist you within our authority,” he said.
Hilmy reassured traders that DBKU would continue to engage with them to find solutions before implementing any changes.
He also noted that even if certain issues fall outside DBKU’s purview, they could alert the relevant agencies.
During the meeting, members of the India Street Merchants Association and other Old Town merchants raised issues such as dim lighting, the presence of vagrants, and the arrangement of trading stalls on India Street.
Hilmy mentioned that plans for better stall arrangements and improved lighting were already in progress.
He assured them that he is aware of their problems and will address them within his authority.
He advised them to work together and consider the long-term benefits, acknowledging that certain sacrifices might be necessary for a better future.
“I too want to see India Street and the Old town areas get back their glory days of the past. So it is important for us to work together. If I do not know or hear of the problems, I won’t be able to solve them. Thus, engage with us for us to help you,” he said.
