MBKS puts Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market forward for two Sustainable Devt Goal awards

Wee (third right) and others during the fourth anniversary of the Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market at the MBKS covered car park on Oct 3, 2026.

By Wilfred Pilo

KUCHING, Oct 3: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had nominated the Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market for two 2026 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) awards, with the results expected next week.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng revealed this during the fourth anniversary celebration of the Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market at the MBKS covered car park today.

From just a handful of sellers four years ago, he said that the market has grown into a thriving marketplace with 171 sellers, evolving into more than just a place to buy fresh produce.

“It’s not just a market; it’s a movement of people committed to health and building a healthy city. This is our version of nation-building. It’s small, but it will grow,” he said.

He described the market as a ‘mini Sarawak’, where people from different backgrounds work together under one roof, and serve as important community hubs where people can meet, interact and negotiate—something he said was gradually being lost with the rise of modern supermarkets.

“What you see here is a market that is very well organised. The people behind it are creating a place where everyone can be connected,” he said.

Vendors and shoppers at the Kuching Natural Farmers’ Market at the MBKS covered car park on Oct 3, 2026.

Wee also praised the vendors for focusing on product quality rather than competing through price cuts to attract customers, as the market also provides a platform for small-scale growers to sell produce harvested from their own backyards.

A highlight of the fourth anniversary celebration was the recognition of vendors who have been participating since the market’s inception, with the top-seller award going to Jee Pei Ling.

Also present were Kuching Farmers’ Market founding member Wee Ai Chin and co-founder Mini Ng. — DayakDaily