MBKS mayor urges revitalisation of local markets, hawker centres amidst decline

Wee engaging the community through his ShallWeeTalk online session on July 6, 2024.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 6: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has expressed his concern over the gradual decline of local markets in Kuching, including hawker centres, and emphasised the need to reinvigorate these traditional hubs of community and commerce.

During his visit to the market in Braga, Portugal, he observed a stark contrast between the thriving local market there and the waning activity in Kuching’s markets.

“What we see now is a decline in our markets and hawker centres. This is a problem we need to address urgently,” he said during his weekly ShallWeeTalk live today.

He further highlighted the cultural and economic importance of these markets, describing them as foundational to the memories and daily lives of many residents.

“How can we start a movement to love our market so that it can continue? Whether it’s the vegetable market, meat market, or fish market, these are the places that many small business owners rely on. How can we continue to help them sustain and grow?

“Our parents took us to the market on Sundays to buy things. These are some of the most profound memories from our childhood,” he said.

Wee further suggested that a concerted effort is needed to research and implement strategies that can restore the human connection and bustling activity that markets once had.

The mayor’s visit to Braga, Portugal, is part of the XVI UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference 2024.

The conference, themed ‘Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade’, will provide a platform for member cities to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices for building sustainable cities of the future. — DayakDaily