KUCHING: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has issued a stern reminder to illegal hawkers operating in Tabuan Jaya to apply for the MyKiosk programme or face enforcement action after the given deadline.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the MyKiosk site this morning, Wee said the council is making efforts to legalise unlicensed hawkers, though he could not promise immediate business opportunities for those who relocate there.
“For the first six months, stall rental will be free. After that, a monthly fee of RM80 will be charged for the following six months,” he explained. “This is a good offer, considering hawkers can charge up to RM300 per kiosk each month.”
So far, only five out of 40 illegal stalls in the area have agreed to relocate to the designated kiosks.
Wee warned that enforcement action would be taken against those who refuse the offer without valid reasons. “This area was previously a market, which has since been relocated to Stutong. We encourage them to sell seasonal fruits here as this location is not suitable for food stalls involving cooking,” he said.
To facilitate the relocation process, MBKS has conducted briefing and interview sessions for identified unlicensed traders from surrounding areas. While some accepted the offer to move to MyKiosk, others declined. The council will continue filling the remaining stalls with eligible applicants, giving priority to unlicensed hawkers willing to cooperate.
Wee stated that the next intake is scheduled for July, and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply. Wee also clarified that the MyKiosk traders will not negatively affect existing businesses nearby.
He added that MBKS will not accept new applicants from outside the area. Priority will be given to fruit sellers and seasonal durian vendors, particularly those operating in Padungan.
The MyKiosk initiative is a government-led programme designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized local businesses by providing safe, standardised, and affordable business spaces.
The programme aims to promote entrepreneurship and improve the socio-economic well-being of the community, with a focus on the B40 income group and unlicensed hawkers in need of relocation.
By Connie Chieng