MBKS RM30 grocery vouchers support seniors, boost local traders and markets

Wee (in white shirt) visiting one of the markets to ensure smooth redemption of MBKS's RM30 Grocery Voucher on Sept 23, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 23: Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) RM30 Grocery Voucher initiative, held in conjunction with the Mooncake Festival, is providing support to senior citizens while also channelling spending back into local markets and giving hawkers a boost.

The Senior Citizen Grocery Voucher Programme 2026 saw 1,500 vouchers worth RM30 each distributed to eligible senior citizens aged 58 and above residing within the MBKS jurisdiction.

The vouchers could be redeemed this morning at five MBKS markets, namely Petanak Market, Stutong Community Market, Bintawa Market, Sungai Apong Market and Kenyalang Market, where recipients used them to purchase groceries, fresh produce and other daily necessities from participating hawkers.

MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng began his visits as early as 6am, making his way to all five markets to personally monitor the redemption exercise and ensure senior citizens could use their vouchers smoothly and conveniently.

Wee said the initiative reflected MBKS’ efforts to care for senior citizens while building a more age-friendly Kuching South.

“Our senior citizens have contributed so much to their families, our community and the development of Kuching South. This programme is a small gesture to show that we appreciate them and that they remain an important part of our city,” he said in a media release today.

However, he said the initiative was designed to benefit more than just the voucher recipients, with the decision to hold the redemption at MBKS markets intended to provide additional business for local hawkers and small traders.

“Our markets are part of our neighbourhoods and our daily lives. Many of our hawkers have been operating here for many years. We want this programme to benefit both sides.

“Our senior citizens receive some support for their daily needs, while our hawkers also receive additional business,” he said.

Wee said the money spent through the vouchers would flow directly into the local economy, while the initiative could also encourage residents to return to traditional markets and continue supporting local traders.

The programme is also part of MBKS’ broader commitment to developing an age-friendly city.

Kuching South joined the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in October 2024, with MBKS continuing to introduce practical initiatives aimed at ensuring senior citizens remain active, connected and involved in the community.

During his visits to the five markets, Wee spoke with senior citizens and hawkers to hear their feedback and observe how the redemption process was being carried out.

“I came out early this morning because I wanted to see the actual situation myself. I wanted to make sure the redemption process was smooth and that our senior citizens did not face unnecessary difficulties.

“More importantly, I wanted to meet them personally and hear what they had to say,” he said.

Wee thanked the senior citizens for their support, as well as participating hawkers, councillors and MBKS staff involved in the registration and redemption exercise.

He said the feedback gathered would help MBKS improve similar programmes in the future.

“An age-friendly city is not just about infrastructure. It is also about how we care for our senior citizens and make sure they continue to be part of our community.

“At the same time, when we can help our local hawkers and strengthen our markets through the same programme, it creates a benefit for the whole community,” he said.

Wee said MBKS would continue to explore practical programmes that benefit residents while strengthening Kuching South as a caring and inclusive city for people of all ages. — DayakDaily