MIRI: The extension of Saberkas Night Market from two days to three days a week is seen as a good opportunity for the traders there to generate more income.
Deputy president of Sarawak Bumiputera Traders Association (PBMS), councillor Abdul Razak Joni said the traders now have extra one day to operate in and this definitely means extra income.
“This is a good effort by the Miri City Council (MCC) as it shows that the council is concerned about the welfare of our traders.
“We are very grateful to the council for extending the business days, giving our traders the opportunity to increase their sales,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Commenting on the development of the night market area, Razak said it was being improved and fences had also been put up around the venue for better security.
“Some of the bare areas have also been covered with concrete for the convenience of both traders and customers.
“Currently, the construction of public toilets is in progress and we hope it can be completed soon as both traders and the public have been asking for this amenity since last year,” he said further.
He urged all traders to be patient while all the basic amenities were being constructed and installed, including a new drainage system for the whole night market area.
“Our local councillors are always patronising the market to monitor how the traders are doing. So if the traders have anything to highlight, they can approach any of the councillors directly.
“We have a proper channel to voice our concern, therefore we should use the right channel and not go through a third party who is not able to help but causes a nuisance to traders who genuinely want to trade,” he said.
He added that the traders can also go directly to PBMS if they have any issues concerning the night market as PBMS’ working committee is ready to help where possible.
Meanwhile, Razak urged traders at the night market to be creative by selling a variety of products instead of just concentrating on one or two items.
“Perhaps the traders can have their own specialties when selling food items and these specialties can attract members of the public including tourists to patronise the night market.
“These specialties can also be trademarks for the night market where people will remember the ‘special’ food and come back for more,” he said adding that it can also be a healthy competition among traders.
According to Razak, PBMS currently has about 2,700 registered members while the Saberkas night market has over 80 traders.