Tiong urges hawkers to reduce reliance on foreign workers, focus on industry excellence

SIBU (Nov 20): Hawkers should actively manage their businesses and strive for excellence in the industry instead of relying entirely on foreign workers to run their operations, federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has advised.

“If the businesses are entirely managed by foreign workers with the owners merely monitoring via closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, or if foreign workers are preparing traditional delicacies, the authenticity of these dishes will eventually be lost.

“Also, it will be a challenge to preserve and pass on traditional culinary heritage recipes to the next generation, should we continue to rely on foreign workers,” said the Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman.

King Sing said this in his address at the Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Petty Traders Associations (MFHTPA), Sibu Division Hawkers Association and Federation of Sarawak Hawkers Association dinner held on Monday evening.

Additionally, pointed out that hawkers and small business owners are a vital part of Malaysia’s economy.

“They not only offer a wide variety of products and services to the market, but also serve as a primary source of income for countless households.” he added.

He also said hawkers play an important role in shaping the 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.”

Furthermore, King Sing said as of September last year, Malaysia has welcomed 18,377,842 tourist arrivals, a 27 per cent increase as compared to 14,467,037 arrivals recorded in 2022 to 2023.

“This rise in tourist numbers provides hawkers and businesses with more opportunities to attract customers and increase their income,” he said.

He also pointed out that Malaysia will assume the Asean Chairmanship for 2025.

“Next year, the country will host various meetings and events led by three ministries – Foreign Affairs Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry and Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry – with support and contribution from 10 other agencies,” he said.

To this end, King Sing urged all hawkers to seize the opportunity to enhance their competitiveness; improve the hygiene and quality of their stalls; and elevate their image from the perception of being disorganised and 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 also contributing to the nation’s development.”

At the event, King Sing announced an allocation of RM30,000 for the Sibu Hawkers Association, as well as RM20,000 each to the Federation of Sarawak Hawkers Association and MFHTPA.

He also announced a contribution of RM100,000 from the Tiong Su Kouk Foundation, meant to contribute to the Education Scholarship Fund of the MFHTPA.

Also present were MFHTPA permanent adviser Tan Sri Tiong Su Kouk; MFHTPA and Federation of Sarawak Hawkers Association chairman Voon Chin Leong; and Sibu Hawkers Association chairman Ting Chuong Chiok.