MBKS pushes cashless adoption, upgrades to keep traditional markets relevant

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By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, May 10: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is encouraging hawkers to adopt cashless payment systems while continuing to upgrade facilities at traditional markets to ensure they remain relevant and attractive to younger consumers.

Its Mayor, Dato Wee Hong Seng, said MBKS has consistently emphasised the development of traditional markets through improvements to facilities and surroundings, including hygiene management, ventilation and drainage systems, toilets, and parking spaces.

He stressed that traditional markets must continue to evolve with the times while preserving their human touch.

“We also encourage traders to gradually adopt digital payment methods, such as e-wallets and cashless systems, to make transactions more convenient, especially for younger consumers,” he said during the MBKS Community Market and Hawker Reunion Luncheon at Stutong Community Market today.

Wee elaborated that cashless systems are now the norm, as many members of the public, especially young people, no longer carry cash and rely mainly on their mobile phones.

With that, he hoped traditional markets like Stutong Community Market could become more modern while still preserving their most valuable element — their human touch.

He also lauded hawkers who wake up at dawn daily to prepare fresh produce and supplies to support the city’s daily needs.

“A city cannot function without its markets and the dedicated people who trade there,” he said.

Wee expressed hope that Stutong Community Market would remain vibrant and full of human connection, continuing to be a familiar and comforting place for the people of Kuching.

About 430 hawkers attended the luncheon.

Also present were Political Secretary to the Premier’s Department and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women chief Kho Teck Wan, MBKS councillors, and community leaders. — DayakDaily

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