Multiracial vendors at Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festival Sale reflect a ‘mini Sarawak, says mayor (Video)

KUCHING (Feb 3): The Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festival Sale 2026 has been dubbed a ‘mini Sarawak’ as its vendors come from different ethnic groups.

Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the unique bazaar is offering a wide range of products, including kampung goods and creatively-made festive cookies.

He said MBKS maintains low rental rates for stall operators to ensure affordability for hawkers and reasonable prices for consumers, describing the model as a circular economy.

“I’m sure later on you will see Chinese vendors buying products from Muslims and other races. It’s a melting pot that connects people,” he said.

Wee added the council subsidises the bazaar to create inclusive festive spaces, noting that a Hari Raya Bazaar will also be held during the same period.

He also highlighted the ‘Love Your Markets’ campaign, aimed at sustaining traditional markets and encouraging younger generations to support them.

“We don’t want one day where our choices are limited only to what is supplied in supermarkets,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving markets for farmers and local agricultural products unique to Sarawak.

For this year’s bazaar, Wee said 350 applications were received and 297 stalls were approved.

He noted that many of the products sold are homemade, with vendors often operating as families, couples, or small groups, making the market more than just a place to shop.

“This is not just a simple market. It’s a gathering for everybody, whether you are new or old, and it is not only serving the local community here in Kenyalang,” he said.

Wee noted that MBKS has never increased its market rental rates since its establishment in 1988 and continues to subsidise operations, with some markets and hawker centres now operating at night to attract different crowds.

“This will be a meeting place for everybody, most importantly at very reasonable and affordable pricing,” he said, calling on Sarawakians to continue caring for one another and to remain proud of their identity.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the festive lighting ceremony.