KUCHING: Festive sales at the oldest Chinese New Year market in Kenyalang Park got off to a roaring start today.
It was officially opened by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian amid fireworks and much festivity.
This year, there are 264 stalls participating in the Chinese New Year market, not only selling cookies, cakes, ‘bakwa’, clothes, traditional snacks, handicrafts, plants especially auspicious for the Chinese community but also participated by non-Chinese selling cookies and even ‘lemang’ (glutinous rice).
The market which started on Jan 14 will go on until New Year’s eve on Jan 28.
“This year, I want to thank Cr Judy Kho and the Mayor (Datuk Wee Hong Seng) for organising this event again.
“Even though nowadays there are a few Chinese New Year markets this one is the traditional one which started a very long time ago,” he said after the official opening.
Dt Sim singled out the Malay and Indian stalls participating in the Chinese New Year market.
“It shows the spirit of Sarawak, where we come together, we sell next to each other. We are very proud that this tradition continues.”
Dr Sim who is Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government also said that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has arranged many activities in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration, like those held at Stutong market.
Similar activities will also be done in conjuction with festivals like Hari Raya and Gawai Dayak, under the MBKS jurisdiction, he said.
Meanwhile, Wee said, as a city council, they try their very best to keep the tradition of the Chinese New Year market alive, despite there being many supermarkets in and around the city.
One of the differences between supermarkets and the Chinese New Year market is that the latter connects people together.
“The interaction is there, we want people to feel what it was like when we were children, our parents and grandparents bringing us around to Chinese New Year markets, doing bargaining, selecting decorations, food tasting to pick the best and a lot more.
“This is a good tradition, good culture that we should always maintain,” he said.
