Hawkers essential to economy and culture, says Tiong

SIBU: Hawkers and small business owners are a vital part of the nation’s economy.
According to Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, they not only provide a wide array of products and services to the market, but also serve as a primary source of income for countless households.
“Hawkers also play an important role in shaping local culture. When visiting a new place, the quickest way to understand the local culture is through the traditional markets, where one can experience the most authentic flavours and products as well as the warmth of locals.
“I hope hawkers understand that the government provides opportunities for entrepreneurship. Hawkers should strive to be hands-on in managing their businesses and excel in this industry rather than leaving the entirety of their operations to foreign workers.
“If the business is entirely managed by foreign workers, with owners merely monitoring them via Closed-circuit television (CCTV), or if foreign workers are the ones preparing traditional delicacies, the authenticity of these dishes will eventually be lost, making it challenging to preserve and pass on our traditional culinary heritage;” he said at the joint celebration banquet of the 16th anniversary of Sibu Central Market Association (SCMA) and eighth anniversary of the Sibu Hawker’s Welfare Association(SHWA) in conjunction with the National Hawker’s Day, organised by Sibu Division Hawker’s Association (SDHA), Monday night (Nov 18).
The Bintulu MP also highlighted that, as of September 2024, Malaysia has welcomed 18,377,842 tourist arrivals, a 27 per cent increase compared to the 14,467,037 arrivals during the same period in 2023.
This rise in tourist numbers, he stated, provides hawkers and businesses with more opportunities to attract customers and increase their income.
Additionally, he said Malaysia will assume the Asean Chairmanship in 2025. Next year, the country will host various meetings and events led by three ministries, namely, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), with support and contributions from 10 other agencies.
Hence, Tiong, who is also the Dudong assemblyman, encouraged hawkers to seize this opportunity to enhance their competitiveness, improve the hygiene and quality of their stalls, and elevate their image by moving away from the perception of being disorganised or unhygienic.
“Providing consumers with a safe and clean shopping environment, especially in the digital age, will help overcome challenges and allow hawkers to share in the economic benefits brought by tourism while contributing to the nation’s development.
“Moreover, 2026 has been designated as Visit Malaysia Year, adding to the ministry’s workload. While I may be stretched thin, I will not neglect my constituency. Be it Bintulu or Dudong, my team remains on the ground to serve the community.
“If the performance of any member of my team is lacklustre or provides poor service, you are welcome to contact me directly.”
At the event, Tiong announced a grant of RM30,000 to SDHA, while RM20,000 each for the Sarawak United Hawkers Association (SUHA) and Federation of Associations for Pretty Traders & Hawkers Malaysia (FAPTHM).
Also announced was RM100,000 donation from Tiong Su Kouk Foundation to FAPTHM for the education scholarship fund.
Among those present were FAPTHM president Voon Chin Leong, SDHA permanent honorary president Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Su Kouk, SDHA honorary advisor Datuk Lau Ngie Hua and SDHA president Ting Chuong Chiok.