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Traders and hawkers at the MBKS Stutong Community Market must not resort to cheating customers as this can cause them to stop returning and patronising the place.
Minister of Environment and Public Health, Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, said the traders and hawkers must instead be sincere and honest, and on top of that, they should also work as a team to attract people to patronise the market.

“To promote a new market like this is not easy. Nevertheless, with a concerted effort from everyone, we can turn this market into a self-contained business centre in the future,” said Wong at the RTM-MBKS Berambeh Programme held at the Stutong Community Market here yesterday.

He said it would take at least 18 months to make the market known and accepted by the people in Kuching.

“This market is among the best in the State. So we must attract people to come here. One of ways to do it is by organising this kind of programme from time to time,” he said.
Wong revealed that the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) took 18 months to promote Sibu Central Market to the people there.

“Only when it is properly promoted and publicised, can we expect more people to come here. And one day, I believe this can become a tourist destination as it has enough stalls and shoplots to deal with all sorts of products,” he said.

He also appealed to the traders and hawkers to sell quality goods as well as keeping the place clean and hygienic as this could help to create a positive impact on the people.
He thanked RTM and MBKS for making the programme a reality.

Meanwhile, MBKS Mayor, James Chan, urged the hawkers and traders to cooperate with the council to promote the place.

“Today’s community is better educated and has an in-depth understanding of the need for cleanliness. Many shoppers do not like to do their shopping where the market floor is dirty and constantly flooded.

“By paying greater attention on freshness, tastiness, quality, variety, cleanliness, hygienic preparation, clean crockery and courteous services, you all can attract more customers to patronage the market,” said the Mayor.

Also present at the ceremony were Acting Director of RTM, Monshi Abdullah, and MBKS Acting Secretary, Susan Loh.