KOTA KINABALU: Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir has urged hawkers, particularly those at the Kota Kinabalu central market, to ensure their business premises are always clean, neat and safe.
He pointed out that cleanliness has always been the priority of City Hall to make Kota Kinabalu a beautiful and safe city.
“I urge for cooperation from you (hawkers) not to litter, and look after the cleanliness and environment where you conduct your businesses,” Abidin said in his speech for the Kota Kinabalu Hawkers Association 54th anniversary cum 27th installation dinner here on Thursday.
The speech was delivered by the director-general of City Hall, Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.
Abidin said a clean and neat business premises could attract more customers, which in turn could bring in more income.
“A dirty environment not only invites animals and pests such as mice and cockroaches, but also leads to diseases and affects the image of City Hall.”
He also pledged to assist the hawkers to improve the Central Market, despite admitting that funds from City Hall was quite limited.
Abidin visited the central market of 35 years with Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai last February.
He said the quotation to repair the refrigerator and cold storage at the market had been released, and repair work was expected to start as soon as a contractor had been appointed.
“To all hawkers, I hope you will take good care and not damage the facilities provided by City Hall and government.”
He hoped that the newly elected committee members would continue to cooperate and support City Hall.
Meanwhile, KK Hawkers Association president Johnny Fung Tsu Yun said the association would recruit more members to strengthen the organization.
“I hope the hawkers who haven’t joined the association would register as members and together fight and protect our welfare and benefit through the association.”
He also hoped to pass the presidency in the next election after having served the association for more than 30 years.
Fung further expressed his gratitude towards Yong, Abidin and former mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim for their assistance and support throughout the years.
Also present were Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai, KK Hawkers Association honorary legal advisor Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee and Datin Stella Yong, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president Datuk Liew Teck Chan, Luyang assemblywoman Melanie Chia, legal advisor of the association Datuk Chau Tet On, advisor of the association Datuk Philip Yong and organizing chairlady Siaw Shui Lan.