MBKS brings together 250 hawkers to boost standards, cleanliness and Kuching’s food scene

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By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, May 5: About 250 hawkers from Petanak Market, Jubilee Ground and Kueh Shiak Hong came together today in an initiative organised by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS), aimed at raising standards, strengthening cooperation and enhancing the local food scene.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the session served as a meaningful platform for dialogue between the council and hawkers, with key focus areas including cleanliness, long-term business sustainability and evolving consumer expectations.

“This is not only a time for us to meet and talk, but also an opportunity for MBKS to listen, understand and continue working together with our hawkers,” he said during the gathering at Petanak Market today.

He noted that Petanak Market has long been a cornerstone of the local economy, with some businesses now carried on into a third generation, reflecting the deep roots of the hawker trade in the community.

“This shows that hawker trade is not only a business, but also a family legacy, a culture and part of our city’s history,” he added.

Wee also pointed out that the operating environment has changed significantly, with customers now prioritising cleanliness, comfort, service quality, food presentation and even online reviews when choosing where to eat.

“Our hawkers must continue to move forward. We must think out of the box, how to attract customers, improve presentation, maintain good hygiene, use social media, and create something special that makes people want to come back,” he said.

He stressed that hawkers remain a vital pillar of the local economy, supporting not only affordable food access but also wider supply chains involving farmers, producers and small businesses.

“When tourists come to Kuching, one of the things they remember most is our food and our hawker centres,” he said.

Wee added that MBKS will continue upgrading markets and improving facilities to provide a safer, cleaner and more comfortable environment for both traders and visitors.

He also reaffirmed the council’s vision of building a clean, safe and vibrant city through sustainability and community-driven initiatives, while encouraging younger generations to take pride in continuing the hawker tradition.

He expressed appreciation to the hawker community for their continued contributions to Kuching’s identity and economy. — DayakDaily

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