Spring Festival Market Lights and Festive Sales: Kuching Promotes Traditional Market Revitalization

(Kuching, 3rd) The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year has brought joyful radiance to Kuching's community markets. With the official lighting of the Kenyalang Market Chinese New Year decorations on Monday (Feb 2) evening, and the launch of the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales, Kuching's streets are filled with celebratory bustle.
 Sarawak Deputy Premier Dato Amar Sim Kui Hian presided over the lighting ceremony, marking a highlight of the Kuching South City Council's festive calendar, and showcasing its ongoing efforts to transform traditional markets into vibrant community spaces.

 The festivities kicked off at the Stampin Community Market, followed by a visit to Petanak Market, and then the Chinese New Year light-up ceremony at Kenyalang Market, with the festive sales launched in front of Everwin at Kenyalang Park Commercial Center.
 Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng stated that the festive decorations and lights at the markets are part of the council’s long-term “Love Your Markets” campaign, which aims to encourage the public to support local vendors, farmers, and small businesses.
 In an interview at the Stampin Community Market, he said: "We hope everyone can come and support local products, local vendors, and everyone selling vegetables, meat, and food, because the market is not only about convenience but also about livelihoods."

 Wee Hong Seng pointed out that the campaign also aims to reintroduce traditional markets to the younger generation, encouraging families to bring children to experience the market atmosphere, social interactions, and the cultural practices community markets uphold, especially during festive times.
 He added that the council has kept market rents unchanged for many years, demonstrating support for vendors while ensuring both operators and consumers can afford the costs.
 Speaking about the Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales, Wee Hong Seng said the event is widely regarded as Kuching’s oldest Chinese New Year market, marking its 30th anniversary this year.
 He said: "This year, we received over 350 applications, with 297 successful applicants obtaining stalls. Most products are homemade and family run."
 Wee Hong Seng noted that the festive market continues to attract residents and visitors from outside Kenyalang, reflecting its popularity among Kuching locals and tourists.

 He stated: "This place is almost like a mini Sarawak, with people from all ethnic groups buying, selling, and interacting here, making it a melting pot that connects people and strengthens community cohesion."
 He added that the council continues to subsidize market operations, maintain reasonable rents, and has extended operating hours at some hawker centers to sustain a so-called "circular economy"—supporting livelihoods while keeping prices reasonable.
 He said: "Our role is to create a platform where creativity can grow, livelihoods can be maintained, and local producers continue to have a place to sell their products."
 The Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales will be held from February 2 to 16, and the council will continue its festive market programs later this year, including the upcoming Hari Raya Market.