30 small traders receive canopy aid for STC Ramadan Bazaar in Likas

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 20): Thirty small entrepreneurs from the Kota Kinabalu Hawkers and Small Traders Entrepreneurs Association (PUPPKKK) have received canopy contributions to support their participation in the Sabah Trade Centre (STC) Ramadan Bazaar in Likas.

Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick, who is also the minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the initiative reflects the ministry’s continued commitment to supporting small and micro-entrepreneurs across Sabah.

“I hope the STC Ramadan Bazaar will bring blessed sustenance to all participating entrepreneurs and provide an opportunity for small traders to generate income throughout the month of Ramadan,” he said.

“The ministry remains committed not only to managing large-scale industrial investments, but also to strengthening the development of small and micro-entrepreneurs in the state,” he told reporters after launching the STC Ramadan Bazaar site and officiating the canopy presentation ceremony here on Wednesday.

On development plans for the area, Ewon said his ministry has received several proposals for the redevelopment of the STC site.

“However, we will review and determine the most suitable proposal before tabling it for Cabinet discussion,” he said, adding that no final decision has been made at this stage.

As an interim measure, he said the Department of Industrial Development and Research (DIDR), as the landowner, has signed an agreement with POIC Sabah – an agency under the ministry – to manage and maintain STC and its surrounding areas pending a State Cabinet decision.

He also noted that PUPPKKK has been granted permission to organise the Ramadan Bazaar and conduct evening business activities within designated parking areas.

“Not all parking spaces will be utilised, as they also serve civil servants during office hours as well as residents and visitors to nearby premises,” he said.

Ewon emphasised the need to upgrade existing infrastructure at the site, including repairing roads and walkways, and improving maintenance of surrounding and parking areas to ensure the comfort and safety of traders and visitors.

Also present at the ceremony were the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Thomas Logijjin, POIC Group chief executive officer Datuk Fredian Gan, DIDR director Siti Nur’ain Abdullah, and PUPPKKK chairman Ramzih Ruzin.