MPKS sets sights on clean, healthy and safe Samarahan Ramadan Bazaar

KUCHING (Jan 13): The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) will step up enforcement measures to ensure that this year’s Samarahan Ramadan Bazaar is conducted in a systematic, transparent and regulation-compliant manner.

MPKS chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali said the council will prioritise cleanliness, public safety, health requirements, and strict adherence to financial procedures throughout the bazaar’s operation.

He stressed that the Ramadan Bazaar plays a broader role beyond providing income opportunities for traders, as it also reflects the discipline, responsibility, and civic awareness of the local community.

“Therefore, all parties must work together to ensure that the bazaar operates in an orderly and safe manner,” he was quoted as saying by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit.

Speaking at a press conference in Kota Samarahan, Abang Ismawi said this year’s bazaar will be held throughout the fasting month across four designated zones, namely Stakan, Muara Tuang, Asajaya, and Sadong Jaya.

“MPKS has set a fee of RM160 per stall, covering site rental (RM100), processing fee (RM5), waste collection services (RM50), and stickers fee (RM5).

“The fee applies uniformly to all applicants, including individuals, Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT), mosques and suraus,” he said.

He said the charges are necessary to support operational management, cleanliness, and the provision of essential facilities during the bazaar period.

Abang Ismawi urged traders to submit permit applications at least one week before the bazaar begins to allow sufficient time for approval, site allocation, and compliance checks.

He said organisers and permit holders are responsible for maintaining cleanliness at their respective sites and must provide basic utilities such as water and electricity, as well as adequate waste disposal facilities.

“Compliance with health, halal, and price control regulations will be strictly enforced throughout the bazaar period, including health checks for traders such as anti-typhoid vaccinations, price control briefings by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), and halal compliance monitoring by the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS),” he added.

Applications will be accepted from Jan 12 to 31, while the bazaar will operate daily from 2pm to 8pm.