Latest news with #MBKS
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MBKS to act on illegal hawkers as MyKiosk uptake stalls
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
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching's iconic white cat statue dons Orang Ulu attire for Gawai Dayak
The iconic white cat statue dressed and ready for the Gawai Dayak celebration this year adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 29): Kuching's iconic White Cat statue is now officially dressed for this year's Gawai Dayak celebration, adorned in traditional attire inspired by the Orang Ulu tribe. Adding a festive touch to the city centre, the statue is outfitted in vibrant garments featuring Sarawak's state colours – yellow, red, and black – alongside cultural motifs that pay tribute to the state's rich indigenous heritage. 'This year, I think you can see that the cat is dressed in an Orang Ulu design, and the colours used are our state colours – yellow, red, and black,' said Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng when met by reporters during the lighting up of the cat statue at the Padungan roundabout this evening. He emphasised that the annual Gawai Dayak festival is more than just a harvest celebration – it is a time to reflect on gratitude and unity among Sarawak's diverse communities. He also highlighted the depth and influence of Dayak culture, especially in the evolution of Sarawak's creative identity over the years. 'In actual fact, our Dayak friends have a very rich cultural heritage. That's why we initially came up with all these designs to be printed on clothing, accessories, and so on. That was almost 20 years ago. 'So you have now what we call Sarawak batik. The Sarawak batik, those motifs in actual fact come from our Dayak tribes. 'They have all their weavings, pua kumbu, some of them come from the beads,' said Wee. Dr Sim (fifth left), Wee (sixth left) and others pose in front of the white cat statue. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Highlighting the significance of Dayak culture in shaping Sarawak's identity, Wee spoke about its long-standing influence on the state's creative expressions. 'So with Sarawak sort of rich with them with such a rich culture and with rich tradition and all that we continue to celebrate. 'It's important to showcase that this land is not only full of excitement because of its diverse people and ethnic groups, but also because of its rich cultural heritage. 'So let's appreciate all of this whether it's past, present or for the future,' he said. Also present during the lighting up ceremony was Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and several MBKS councillors. cat statue Gawai Kuching MBKS Orang Ulu
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Kuching Festival returns with youth-centric highlights this Aug
Wee (eighth right), Zaiedi (seventh right), Ruslan (fifth left), Tow (fourth left) and councillors in a group photo after the press conference. KUCHING (May 29): Three new programmes will debut at this year's Kuching Festival to cater to evolving community interests, especially among the younger generation, said Datuk Wee Hong Seng. The Kuching South mayor said they are the MBKS Mayor's Pickleball Championship, Cosplay Competition, and K-Pop Dance Cover Competition. He said the inaugural pickleball championship will be held from Aug 2 to 3 at Picklepro Kuching, Tabuan Laru Family Club. 'This fast-growing sport will feature several categories: Women's Doubles Open, Men's Doubles Open, Mixed Doubles Open, and Veteran Men's Doubles Open,' he told a press conference at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) building yesterday. Attractive prizes, including cash, sports equipment, medals, trophies, and certificates await the winners. Wee said to raise awareness of the sport, MBKS will also run a Community Pickleball Month throughout July. 'Activities will be held every Saturday morning from 9am to 11am at PicklePro Kuching, promoting better health and community bonding among Kuching South residents. 'There will be free coaching across four courts for anyone who wishes to learn how to play. Further details on the competition and coaching programme will be announced on our Facebook page,' he added. Meanwhile, the Kuching Festival Cosplay Competition will take place on Aug 2 at the MBKS Theatre in Kuching Park. 'This will be a spectacular gathering of creativity, colour and costume, as participants transform into their favourite characters,' said Wee. On Aug 3, the Kuching Festival K-Pop Dance Cover Competition will light up the same venue, bringing together high-energy dance crews from across the region. The competition is open to participants from outside Sarawak. Wee emphasised that the Kuching Festival remains a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together. 'It is more than just a series of events – it reflects who we are as a city: diverse in culture, rich in creativity, and united in our purpose to grow, connect, and thrive together.' The festival will run from July 25 to Aug 17, and the ever-popular Kuching Festival Fair will take place nightly from 6pm to 11pm at Dewan Masyarakat MBKS. This fair features three main attractions: the food fair with hundreds of stalls offering local and international delicacies; trade fair showcasing products and services from local entrepreneurs; and nightly entertainment featuring cultural shows, music, dance, and family-friendly performances. Wee also announced the return of Kuching's Got Talent, which promises bigger prizes and more incredible local talent. 'This year also marks the 10th anniversary of our Kuching Zumba Fiesta, first introduced in 2015,' he added. To mark the occasion, a record-breaking event is planned on Aug 2 from 7pm to 11pm at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium, with a target of 10,000 participants to break the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest Zumba participation. Other festival highlights include the Garden Show, Mayor's Walk, Folk Dance Night, martial arts display, traditional music night, International Friendship Cities Night, fishing competition, Kuching Half Marathon, and Yuanji dance performance. Also present at the press conference were Kuching South deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, MBKS councillors, and Kuching Pickleball Association president Ruslan Bujang and his deputy Alexander Tow Ah Lek.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya remain vacant, says Chong
Chong addresses the issue of underutilised MyKiosk units during his site visit. KUCHING (May 27): The MyKiosk units at Tabuan Jaya remain unoccupied more than six months after their construction, said DAP Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Chong attributed the lack of interest to initial restrictions imposed by the Kuching City South Council (MBKS), which only allowed fruits to be sold at the kiosks ― despite the presence of nearby hawkers already selling fruits, vegetables, and plants. 'Even though MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng recently said vegetables can also be sold there, those who went to apply were told applications are closed until July,' Chong said during a Facebook livestream from the MyKiosk site at Tabuan Jaya. He offered two suggestions to improve the situation: 'First, allow a wider variety of goods to be sold here, and quickly open applications for interested hawkers. Second, consider relocating the kiosks slightly to make room for more parking ― at least 50 scapes could be added.' Chong also criticised the current placement of the kiosks, saying they occupy too much space and have reduced parking availability for nearby shopkeepers, hawkers, their customers, and residents. He noted that the MyKiosk project at Tabuan Jaya was federally funded, while MBKS was responsible for the construction tender process. 'This is a good policy from the federal government,' he said, calling for better implementation at the local level. According to a recent news report, a total of 7,235 kiosk units have been built under the 2023 and 2024 national budgets, with 562 units – or approximately 7.8 per cent – allocated to Sarawak. The MyKiosk initiative aims to support the B40 group and micro, small and medium enterprises by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces to boost income and socio-economic standing. Chong Chieng Jen hawkers kiosks lead MyKiosk
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Malay Mail
As Kuching fights rabies, mayor reminds advocates ‘I totally get your love for animals, but human lives are equally precious'
Kuching mayor tells animals lovers to 'love and protect' them, but follow law on stray control KUCHING, May 25 — Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has appealed to animal lovers, both individuals and organisations, to comply with existing legal provisions when addressing issues related to stray dogs. He emphasised that animal lovers should not interfere with enforcement officers carrying out their duties. 'Do abide by our laws and do not get in the way of our enforcement. This is to help bring down the risk of rabies infections so as to ensure the safety of all,' he said during his Facebook live session 'Shall WEE Talk' yesterday. Wee shared a recent incident where Kuching South City Council (MBKS) enforcement officers responded to a public complaint about a stray dog in a residential area. However, when the MBKS team arrived at the site and prepared to take the necessary action, a group of individuals intervened, preventing enforcement officers from carrying out their duties. '(As a result,) our enforcement team had little choice but to leave without taking any action,' he said. Wee reiterated the importance of responsible pet ownership, reminding pet owners to keep their dogs within their resident compounds and not allow them road freely. 'If you stand to protect and love animals, you of all people should comply with the laws. If you intend to take good care of animals, you should find them a proper place rather than allowing them to roam freely, which may cause anxiety to the community,' he said. Wee said he could understand the need to protect stray animals but emphasised the city council's obligation to safeguard the public from potential risks. Wee admitted to facing a dilemma – if enforcement officers did not take action, complainants would fear for their safety, but when measures were enforced, certain individuals would step forward to obstruct the process. 'I have nothing against animal protection. What I do believe is that these animals should be properly kept at home or a designated place.' He further emphasised that the authorities act with empathy when addressing rabies-related issues, noting that organising mass anti-rabies vaccination campaigns is one such initiative aimed at reaching out to the community, particularly pet owners. Wee regretted that rabies cases persist despite continuous efforts to contain the deadly disease. 'I totally get your love for animals. We all love animals. However, human lives are equally precious.' Over the past week, Wee noted that two rabies cases had been reported near SJK(C) Batu Kawa and a retail outlet in Mile 10, both involving stray dogs. He urged the community to remain vigilant with the Gawai festive season approaching. 'Be more alert when you're hanging out and pay attention to your environment. Public safety and welfare are our utmost concern,' he said. — The Borneo Post
