MBKS to act on illegal hawkers as MyKiosk uptake stalls

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Photo shows one of the fruit stalls at the MyKiosk in Tabuan Jaya. — Photo by Aileen Yap
KUCHING (May 30): Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has addressed concerns over the vacant MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya, stressing that enforcement action will soon be taken against illegal hawkers who refuse to relocate despite repeated offers from the council.
His clarification comes in response to recent remarks by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, who noted that many of the kiosks have remained unoccupied for more than six months since their launch.
The MyKiosk initiative, Wee pointed out, was meant to strengthen entrepreneurship, uplift the community's social economy, and provide a safer, more suitable trading environment.
'Priority was given to the B40 (low-income) group and, most importantly, to the relocation of unlicensed traders – those operating in unsuitable and unsafe locations,' he said when met during a site visit yesterday.
'All identified unlicensed hawkers in the Tabuan Jaya area had been invited for briefings and interviews. While some accepted the offer, the majority declined.'
Wee added that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had done its part in engaging with the traders, and with most refusing to cooperate, enforcement is now the only remaining option.
'We are talking to them, trying to convince them, but it takes time to convince people.
'Now, there is no other choice – we will issue a final notice to all eligible applicants.
'If they fail to comply, we will enforce. If that's what is expected of us, enforcement action will be taken against those who reject the offer without valid reasons.'
Wee noted that as of now, out of 40 illegal traders identified in the vicinity, only five had agreed to move into the kiosks.
He added that the 28 available stalls would be filled on a first-come, first-served basis during the next application intake in July.
Wee also addressed concerns over affordability, stating that kiosk rentals were capped at RM300 monthly, with MBKS charging only RM280 every six months – less than RM2 per day.
'To further encourage take-up, the council is offering six months of free rent.'
In this regard, Wee urged eligible hawkers to come forward if they felt their current trading spots were unsafe or if they needed a permanent space to display their goods.
However, he reminded them that all applicants must still undergo an interview process, as the kiosks were not being filled merely for the sake of occupancy.
'These facilities here are insufficient to support cooking and related activities because there is no water. So, those are the things we will neither encourage nor allow,' he added.
Regarding kiosk applications, Wee explained that the MBKS followed a quarterly schedule.
'The next intake is in July. Is it wrong to tell you to apply then? Nothing wrong, right?
'Don't just keep saying 'when you open, then you open la'. And before we open, don't come and start shouting,' he joked.
Wee stressed that the council welcomed suggestions, but urged that they be constructive and not politically motivated. illegal hawkers MBKS MyKiosk wee hong seng