KUCHING: The festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year brightened Kuching’s community markets following the official switching on of Chinese New Year lighting at Kenyalang Market and the launch of the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales on Monday (Feb 2) evening.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the ceremony, marking a key highlight of Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) festive calendar and its ongoing efforts to revitalise traditional markets as vibrant community spaces.
The programme began at Stutong Community Market, before moving on to Petanak Market, followed by the switching on of Chinese New Year lighting at Kenyalang Market, and concluding with the launch of the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales at the Kenyalang Park commercial area in front of Everwin.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the festive decorations and lighting across markets were part of MBKS’ long-running ‘Love Your Markets’ campaign, which aims to encourage public support for local hawkers, farmers and small traders.
“We want everybody to come in to support our local products, our local hawkers and all those selling vegetables, meat and food, because these markets are not just for convenience but also to sustain livelihoods,” he said when met by reporters at Stutong Community Market.
Wee said the campaign also seeks to reintroduce traditional markets to younger generations by encouraging families to bring children to experience the atmosphere, social interaction and cultural practices associated with community markets, especially during festive seasons.
He added that MBKS has kept market rental rates unchanged for many years as part of its commitment to supporting hawkers amid rising operational costs and ensuring affordability for both traders and consumers.
Turning to the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales, Wee said the event is widely regarded as the oldest Chinese New Year bazaar in Kuching and marked its 30th anniversary this year.
“This year we received more than 350 applications, with 297 successful traders, and many of the products here are homemade and family-run,” he said.
Wee said the festive bazaar continued to draw crowds from beyond the Kenyalang area, reflecting its popularity among Kuching residents and visitors.
“It is almost like a mini Sarawak, where people of all races sell, buy and interact with one another, creating a melting pot that connects people and strengthens our sense of togetherness,” he said.
He added that MBKS continues to subsidise market operations, keep rentals affordable and expand operating hours at selected hawker centres to sustain what he described as a circulation economy that supports livelihoods while keeping prices reasonable.
“Our role is to create a platform so creativity can grow, livelihoods can be sustained and local producers continue to have a place to sell their products,” he said.
The Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales is from Feb 2 to 16, with MBKS set to continue its festive market programme later this year with the upcoming Hari Raya bazaar.
