KUCHING: The local authorities have been called to look into the area where hawkers are now selling by the roadsides next to the Samarahan Bridge.
It has been noted that the sales have caused traffic congestion along that stretch of road and that hawkers should be provided with a better place by the relevant authorities.
Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said it is also advisable that the local authorities should look into building water and toilet facilities for the hawkers.
“Earlier today I took my daughter and a friend on a slow drive through Kota Samarahan expressway. What I saw really surprised me.
“The road sides (road heading towards Jalan Kampung Semawang) after the Samarahan Bridge were filled with hawker stalls selling garden products such as pineapples, honey oranges and vegetables and there were fishmongers who sell their catch there along the road sides too.
“It was a hive of activities. The local folk have been very diligently working on their land and so were the fishermen along the coastal area,” he said on Sunday.
He said that however, as a minister tasked to build roads to ensure smooth and safe movement for road users, he was concerned about the traffic congestion along those sites.
“I can understand the need of the local folk to earn extra honest income. I have no issue with this.
“Perhaps, it is advisable for the local authorities to provide and clear a sizable area, near where they (hawkers and fishermen) are currently sited,” he said.
Masing, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said that in this way it will ensure smooth flow of traffic on the public roads.
“At the same time, small-time stall traders can earn extra honest income,” he said.
He added the local council must also assist in printing the MySejahtera QR code for the hawkers.
“It is advisable to put a one-stop centre with QR code and temperature scanning for all those who come to do their purchase at these hawker stalls,” said Masing.
