Danger no more, Tambirat market hub a lifeline to Asajaya’s traders

Sellers and customers selecting goods at Pasar Nelayan Kampung Tambirat, Asajaya.

By Yvonne T

MALUDAM, Feb 18: For years, business in Tambirat was conducted on a knife’s edge. Fishmongers and hawkers set up their wares along the shoulder of Jalan Asajaya, near a busy roundabout, where the roar of passing vehicles was constant and customers slowed down at their own risk.

And with the expansion of the main Jalan Asajaya road, this risk is elevated even more, risking both sellers and drivers of the road.

A view of Pusat Penjaja MPKS Tambirat at Asajaya.

Today, that risk has given way to relief. The development of Pasar Nelayan Kampung Tambirat and Pusat Penjaja MPKS Tambirat, completed simultaneously in 2023, has transformed the way local traders earn their living. What was once a precarious roadside hustle is now an organised, accessible marketplace with proper parking bays, wider walkways and safer trading spaces.

For stall vendors Puan Ogayah and Siti Fatima, the change is obvious.

“It’s been good the past few years. Before, it was difficult to make sales because customers found it hard to stop by the roadside to buy from us. But now, with this pasar, there’s more parking, wider spaces, easier for customers to drop by and buy things,” Siti Fatima said.

Siti Fatima, a vendor at Pusat Penjaja MPKS Tambirat, Asajaya.

Over the past three years, Puan Ogayah said she has seen steady customer traffic, especially during festive seasons which brings in a noticeable surge. During Chinese New Year, the proximity of the market to the iconic Tokong Fuk Teck K’ung Beliong drew a stream of Chinese devotees and visitors, many of whom stop by the stalls after prayers.

“It becomes very lively during that time,” she shared with a smile.

Just a few steps away at Pasar Nelayan Kampung Tambirat, 50-year-old fishmonger Analisa arranges her daily selection of freshly caught fish at her stall. For her, the move into the new facility has not only improved sales, it has restored peace of mind.

“It’s much better now as before this, when we were selling at the side of the road, it is dangerous not just for us but for the drivers who had to risk parking next to a very busy road,” she said.

A view of Pasar Nelayan Kampung Tambirat, Asajaya.

With proper facilities and safer surroundings, business has stabilised. Analisa has also noticed a growing number of visitors from Kuching making trips to Tambirat to purchase fresh seafood and local delicacies unique to Asajaya.

From fresh fish and massive squid to homegrown Asajaya produce and traditional snacks, Pasar Nelayan Kampung Tambirat and Pusat Penjaja MPKS Tambirat are becoming more than just trading grounds. They are economic anchors for small and medium enterprises, community gathering points, and increasingly, a draw for visitors seeking an authentic taste of coastal Sarawak. – DayakDaily