SIBU: The Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) has the potential to be expanded to the Sibu Central Market in the future following the ongoing efforts of the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) together with digital payment provider, Spay Global.
Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, informed that the initiative aims to open up an avenue for hawkers and petty traders to enjoy the benefits of SKAS, which can currently only be used in supermarkets.
According to him, the move is important to ensure that consumer spending is not only concentrated on large premises, but also to stimulate the economy in traditional markets such as the Sibu Central Market which is the source of income for many locals.
“When SKAS can be used in this market in the future, hawkers will also receive direct benefits. This will not only help increase their sales, but also give consumers more choices,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Sibu Branch Annual Flag Sale Programme at Sibu Central Market here on Saturday.
Chieng pointed out that efforts towards this have been initiated through the recent opening of a special registration counter, which allows hawkers to register as SKAS traders.
This initiative, he explained, is expected to be an initial step towards implementing transactions using the assistance at the market.
Meanwhile, Chieng also expressed concern over the decline in the number of visitors at Sibu Central Market, including during the festive season which usually sees an increase in public attendance.
He said the situation requires proactive action, including increasing activities and intensifying promotions to attract customer attendance.
“More than 1,000 stalls are operating here and this means that more than 1,000 families depend on this market for their livelihood. Therefore, efforts to revive the business atmosphere are very important,” he explained.
In this regard, he hoped that the SMC would not only continue to ensure that the market’s cleanliness level is maintained, but also play an active role in boosting the local economy through various new approaches.
MRCS Sibu Branch Chairman, Chua Hiong Kee, and MRCS Sibu Branch Secretary, Ting Siao Fong, were also present.
