(From left) Tan takes a closer look at a ceiling fan together with Kenyalang Market Liaison Committee chairman Voon Kuet Leong and Kuching South Hawkers Traders Association secretary Vong Wei Cheng.
KUCHING: The Kuching South Hawker and Trader Association has chided Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong for blowing the issue of inefficient ceiling fans at Kenyalang Market out of proportion.
Association chairman Tan Choon Yong, who also spoke on behalf of Market and Hawker Liaison Committee members, said the ceiling fans were not efficient enough in cooling the air due to the recent spell of hot weather.
During a visit to the market, Tan and Kuching South City Council (MBKS) officers found the 24 ceiling fans were installed at higher positions and the speed of the movements were slower than that of other fans.
“However, I believe that Kenyalang Market’s basic infrastructure is still better than other markets in Kuching because the other markets still do not have ceiling fans installed. Yet, none of the hawkers and the public are complaining,” he stressed.
Tan questioned Yong’s intentions for highlighting the matter.
“Even though the state election is around the corner, there is no need to politicise matters that relate to hawkers,” he said.
He pointed out that Kuching South Mayor Datuk James Chan has always maintained strong and good relationships with hawkers and traders and often visited hawker centres to understand their needs and problems.
“Normally hawker issues should go through the proper channels to reflect and find solutions, instead of using the media to politicise the issue,” added Tan.