Andrew (third left) with Chieng (third right), Chiong (fourth right) and Tan (fourth right) show the new chairs.
SIBU: Three hawkers associations here yesterday lauded the provision of additional 710 chairs for food stall operators at Sibu Central Market.
The associations are Persatuan Pemilik Kedai Kecil Sibu (Sibu Small Shop Owners Association – PPKKS), Sibu Meradong Hawkers Association (SMHA) and Sibu Hawkers Recreation Club (SHRC).
SHRC chairman Tan Hong Kiang, PPKKS chairman Chieng Buong Kiong and SMHA chairman Chiong Siong Hyuong said the move by the Sibu Municipal Council augured well for the cordial relationship among the operators. They said what happened before was operators would put their own chairs around the tables fixed with chairs provided by SMC to reserve the tables for their customers.
“Such action had caused dissatisfaction among some of the operators.
“We are happy that the council has helped us solve the problem amicably,” they said when met after the presentation of the chairs by council deputy chairman Dato Andrew Wong at the market.
Andrew said the chairs costing about RM20,000 were donated by Second Finance Minister and Minister of Local Government and Community Development Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh after he had learned of the predicament of the hawkers. With the new chairs, he said, stall operators were not allowed to put their own chairs around the tables at the market.
“These extra chairs must be put back once the customers have left the table,” he added.
“Operators found not abiding by the new rule will be compounded RM100 by the council.
“If they repeat the offence three times, SMC will issue them show-cause letters to explain why their licence should not be terminated,” he warned.