Empathy over enforcement: Call for humane approach to Miri’s seasonal fruit vendors

MIRI (Jan 17): The Miri City Council (MCC) has been urged to adopt a more compassionate and measured approach when dealing with small-scale durian vendors, particularly during the brief fruit season.

In making this call, Senator Abun Sui Anyit highlighted the anxiety of traders and families who rely on durian sales as a vital source of income during the short fruit season.

While acknowledging that durian sales require permits, he appealed for leniency toward seasonal vendors who may be unaware of or lack information about the regulations.

“I hope traders are given advice and warnings first, as well as a reasonable opportunity to apply for permits and comply with requirements before firmer enforcement action is taken,” said Abun, adding that the durian season is an important opportunity for families to supplement their income.

His comments come after MCC enforcement officers had seized durians from roadside sellers and parking areas starting Jan 13, citing non-compliance with local by-laws.

Some vendors criticised the operation, saying that it prioritised regulatory compliance over the economic realities faced by the seasonal traders, while netizens were divided over the action.

Licensed vendors with valid permits were also affected when unauthorised stalls operated in public spaces.

Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak secretary Alan Ling echoed the call for a more prudent and empathetic approach.

While emphasising the need to comply with regulations, he said seizures and fines alone are insufficient and can spark public dissatisfaction.

“The fruit season is a crucial period for small-scale vendors to earn a livelihood and support their daily income,” Ling said, proposing an ‘in-situ settlement’ approach, which would involve issuing temporary permits and designating specific selling locations, while requiring vendors to maintain cleanliness, safety, and compliance with existing regulations.

“As a caring local government, an approach that allows vendors to earn their daily livelihood in a controlled manner should be considered,” he said, adding that confiscating fruits only to dispose of them leads to unnecessary waste.