SIBU: The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has been urged to re-evaluate the current fan placements and consider adding more fans in strategic locations at Tiong Hua Market, Jalan Chew Siik Hiong, to alleviate discomfort and provide relief for all hawkers.
In making the call, former Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Chang said she had received several complaints from the market’s vendors and customers about its hot and humid environment, particularly during the hot weather season.
“I was told that even though fans are installed, they are positioned in such a way that they do not effectively provide the intended relief to all the hawkers operating in the market.
“The requests by the hawkers are not unreasonable, as the market can get uncomfortably hot during peak hours and the dry season. Better air circulation will also help reduce the risk of food contamination caused by heat and humidity,” she said in a statement today (Jan 19).
Chang, a lawyer by profession, highlighted that creating a more comfortable environment for the hawkers would directly lead to a better experience for customers, encouraging more people to visit the market to buy fresh produce.
She pointed out that while fans are present, they are not strategically located to address the areas where heat and humidity are most intense.
As a result, many hawkers, she asserted, continue to experience discomfort during their long working hours, affecting their overall wellbeing and efficiency.
“Even though the location of Tiong Hua Market is supposed to be temporary, SMC should improve the market’s facilities for as long as this location is being used.
“These hawkers contribute significantly to the local economy and food culture, and their livelihoods deserve to be supported by the government,” Chang added.
