KUCHING: The Satok Aidilfitri Bazaar returned once again to enliven the Ramadan season, with its official launch on Monday night (Mar 9) accompanied by the lighting of decorative lamps along the Satok pedestrian bridge.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail officiated at the event held at Satok Bridge.
Abdul Rahman said the bazaar, which began in 2010, has grown into a yearly highlight that contributes to the festive atmosphere leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Organised by Koperasi Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak Berhad (KUBS) with the cooperation of DBKU, he noted that the bazaar has continued to expand over the past 16 years while providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products.
“This bazaar has been running for 16 years and continues to grow, offering opportunities for traders to promote various products to the public, particularly visitors who frequently come to the Satok area,” he said.
A total of 200 traders operating under white canopy tents are participating in the Satok bazaar this year, offering festive items such as traditional kuih, biscuits, kek lapis, clothing and other preparations for the upcoming Hari Raya celebration.
Overall, DBKU has issued five bazaar permits across several locations in Kuching North this Ramadan period, involving a total of 358 traders.
Abdul Rahman said the initiative also reflects DBKU’s efforts to support small and micro traders by providing a more organised and conducive business platform, adding that such initiatives also contribute to local economic activity, particularly among small and medium traders in the Satok area.
The launch ceremony also featured the illumination of decorative lighting installed along the Satok pedestrian bridge as part of an urban beautification initiative by DBKU.
The project features 77 RGB decorative light sculptures placed along the walkway, complemented by 62 RGB wall-washer lights and two floodlights designed to highlight the architectural features of the bridge at night.
According to Abdul Rahman, the dynamic RGB lighting system allows colour schemes to be adjusted according to festive occasions such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and National Day.
He said the lighting installation is expected to enhance the visual appeal of the Satok area and serve as an attraction for both locals and visitors.
Abdul Rahman also encouraged the public to visit the bazaar and explore the Satok area, noting that the location is well known for its food outlets and eateries that operate late into the night.
Meanwhile, DBKU has also deployed traffic wardens to assist the police in managing traffic flow and ensuring smooth pedestrian movement around the busy bazaar area.
The bazaar will continue throughout the Ramadan month until the Hari Raya celebration.
Among those present were Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) mayor Datuk Hilmy Othman and Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and Petros) Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
