(From left) Ng, Yong, Abang Wahab and Wee release balloons into the air in celebration of the event.
KUCHING: The close rapport between the residents and shop-owners of Kai Joo Lane has paved the way to their own night market and an opportunity to share their culture.
Preparations are underway and they hope to begin the night market by the end of the year, according to India Street Pedestrian Mall chairman Dato Wee Hong Seng.
“I hope that everyone on this street could give good response and support by bringing all the traditional food back when this new night market opens,” he said.
He was speaking during the Kai Joo Lane Reunion Gathering on Saturday night, where the street was closed and turned into an open–air dining hall as they celebrated the Mooncake Festival.
This was their third neighbourhood dinner, where residents and business owners gathered to enjoy some entertainment and each other’s company.
People of Kai Joo Lane could still find common ground, despite some changing faces among the residents and business owners over the last 92 years.
This kindness and care among neighbours should be an example for every Sarawakian, added Wee.
Among those present were Kuching City North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahab Abang Julai, SUPP Kuching chairperson Datuk Lily Yong and Plaza Merdeka managing director Steve Ng.
In his speech, Abang Wahab congratulated those in Kai Joo Lane for their community spirit.
“During last week’s ‘gotong-royong’ (work party), your community spirit was high and you all worked very hard,” he said, adding that they could consider this a rehearsal for their upcoming night market.