Chan gives the thumbs-up to a petty trader while Normah is seen smiling next to him.

KUCHING: Stutong Community Market is one of the best of its kind in Malaysia, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) executive director (socio-economic development) Datuk Normah Malik.

“I am particularly interested in how the traders keep their stalls dry and clean. It is not like any other wet markets I’ve seen. Even the wet area is quite dry and clean.

“One of the things that impresses me is that the mayor (of Kuching South City Council Datuk James Chan) told me that to be fair to all the traders, they have this rotation among stalls quarterly. We don’t have such practice in KL.

“Another thing is about the wholesale market which Stutong does not have. The wholesale traders work from 10pm to 6am. In such a way, you’re fully utilising the market,” she said when met by journalists at the market yesterday.

Normah, who is leading a 53-member delegation for a four-day working visit to the city, said it was her first time to the Stutong Market, which is leaving her with a good impression.

“I think this is one of the best markets I’ve visited,” she said.

While at the market, the delegation toured both the ground and first floors. The visitors were also briefed on how the surveillance system worked. Most of them later spent some time at the Green Centre, which is a single-storey building adjacent to the market.

Normah said they would pay a courtesy call on Datuk Bandar of Kuching City North Commission (DBKU) today (Sept 4).

“We will get some briefing from the mayor,” she said, adding the delegation had visited a couple of tourist attractions here including Sarawak Cultural Village and the cottage industry such as kek lapis makers.

Meanwhile, Chan said many council delegations from Peninsular Malaysia had visited Stutong Community Market, which was making a name for itself as a conducive market.

“DBKL is one of the top councils in Malaysia and it is nice for them to come for a visit. Stutong Market is making its name in Malaysia and even the prime minister has come for a visit.”

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had a walkabout at Stutong Community Market in April 2011 when he also pledged RM300,000 for upgrading purposes.

According to Chan, the market was now more conducive because the hawkers were all very cooperative, friendly and happy to be trading there.

“Stalls are much in demand now. For this visit, we are willing to share with the visitors what we have and we also learn from their strong points too. This is a way to better ourselves.

“Normah is very enthusiastic and she wants to know more about this market like how to improve cleanliness.”

He also lauded petty traders and the council staff for their dedication and commitment to keep the market as clean and hygienic as possible.

To a question, Chan said most of the food stalls on the first floor were not operating yesterday because it was a weekday and also due to past arrangement.

“Those stalls that you see closed are meant for halal food. As you know, 80 per cent hawkers here are non-Muslims, and now we try to fill them up so that more vegetarian and chicken sellers can come in.”

He added that more food stalls would open during weekends when the crowds were bigger.

Presently, the market houses 512 stall holders – 394 Chinese, 63 Malays, 52 Dayaks and three Indians.
 

Normah (second right), Chan (third right) and others watch a fish monger at work.