Jamit (fourth left) presents a cheque for RM5,000 to Ma Tian Ho, chairman of the association, for the renovation of KCROA conference room.
KAPIT: The coffee shops and other eateries here have been a good place for fostering racial and religious harmony in Kapit.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat said this is manifested by the sights of crowds of people from different races and religions sitting at the coffee shops mingling with each other in an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity.
Jamit made these remarks when officiating at the 21st installation ceremony of office bearers, 42nd anniversary and New Year banquet of KCROA at Meligai Hotel here on Tuesday which was attended by over 100 coffee shop and restaurant operators in Kapit and Song.
“Food and coffee shops here are truly a representation of a multi-racial society and that is why the uniqueness of a rural town like Kapit should be something that its people should be proud of,” remarked Jamit.
Others attending the gathering were Malaysia-Singapore General Merchant Coffee and Restaurant Association president Datuk Ho Tze Meng; association advisor Larry Sng, who is Julau Member of Parliament; and Federated Sarawak Coffee Shop and Restaurant Owners Association president Hii Fung Yong.
Jamit congratulated KCROA for organising the event to celebrate the New Year and as an appreciation to all members for their hard work and success in carrying out the activities of the association over the past one year, noting that KCROA is one of the oldest Chinese associations in Kapit district that has progressed well under its various chairmen.
Acknowledging that the ultimate goal of business is to make profit, Jamit reminded members of the association not to compromise on cleanliness and safety of their premises and quality of food and drinks they serve.
“Coffee shops and food outlets also help to project an image of Kapit. Whether good or bad, it depends very much on how you operate the business. It is important that the food and coffee shop operators need to work very closely with the local authority especially in the aspects of hygiene, prices and food quality,” he said.
On another note, Jamit called on the members to remain steadfast with the GPS-led Sarawak government.
“I believe the strong support by the people, particularly the Chinese community, will further serve as a motivation for the Chief Minister to do more to bring Sarawak forward to be the most developed state in the country,” he added.
He announced an allocation of RM10,000 for the association to run its activities this year and RM5,000 for the renovation works on the conference room of KCROA.
He wished the attendees Happy Chinese New Year.