KUCHING: Hawkers at Kenyalang Park Market have been urged to uphold high standards in food quality, hygiene and service professionalism to ensure the continued relevance of traditional markets amid rising economic challenges.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng, said maintaining strong service ethics and cleanliness was essential in preserving public trust and sustaining the local market culture.
“We must maintain a high standard for our food and pay attention to hygiene.
“It is not about making expensive things cheap or simply having big portions; it is about doing things well,” he said during a Chinese New Year gathering with hawkers at Kenyalang Park Market today (Feb 13).
He also proposed introducing service-related training courses to help hawkers improve professionalism when serving customers, noting that quality service would further enhance the market’s reputation.
In addition, Wee reminded traders to practise fair and ethical business conduct, urging them not to be greedy while continuing to deliver value and quality to patrons.
“I emphasised the importance of unity and close communication between the council and hawkers to address challenges such as rising costs and operational pressures faced by traders,” he said.
He said the council’s role was not merely enforcement but to listen to issues faced by hawkers and work together towards practical solutions.
“Ongoing upgrades at the market, including the replacement of lighting, fans and chairs, with further improvements such as flooring upgrades to be carried out in stages subject to funding availability,” he said.
The mayor expressed appreciation for hawkers’ dedication in serving the community daily, with some beginning preparations as early as 3 am, and encouraged members of the public to recognise their contributions.
He further reminded hawkers to prioritise their health by maintaining an active lifestyle and making use of nearby recreational spaces.
“This gathering was a simple gesture of appreciation from us to thank you, the hawkers for their long-standing service to the community while fostering unity and mutual respect among all stakeholders,” he said.
Wee also took the opportunity to extend Chinese New Year wishes, expressing hope for continued harmony, good health and prosperity among traders and residents alike.
