MBKS grocery voucher programme supports senior citizens, local hawkers

KUCHING (Sept 24): The MBKS Senior Citizen Grocery Voucher Programme 2026 was carried out at five markets under the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) jurisdiction yesterday.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the initiative, held in conjunction with the Mooncake Festival, was aimed to assist senior citizens while providing additional business opportunities for local hawkers.

The redemption exercise took place at Petanak Market, Stutong Community Market, Bintawa Market, Sungai Apong Market and Kenyalang Market, where eligible senior citizens used their vouchers to purchase groceries, fresh produce and other daily necessities from participating hawkers.

Wee, who began visiting the five markets as early as 6am, said he wanted to personally monitor the redemption exercise and ensure the process was smooth and convenient for the senior citizens.

“I came out early this morning because I wanted to see the actual situation myself. I wanted to make sure the redemption process was smooth and that our senior citizens did not face unnecessary difficulties.

“More importantly, I wanted to meet them personally and hear what they had to say,” he said.

Under the programme, 1,500 vouchers worth RM30 each were made available to eligible senior citizens aged 58 and above living within the MBKS jurisdiction.

Wee said the initiative was part of MBKS’ efforts to care for senior citizens and build a more age-friendly Kuching South.

He said holding the redemption exercise at council markets was also intended to benefit local hawkers and small traders.

“Our markets are part of our neighbourhoods and our daily lives. Many of our hawkers have been operating here for many years. We want this programme to benefit both sides.

“Our senior citizens receive some support for their daily needs, while our hawkers also receive additional business,” he said.

Wee said the programme was also in line with the council’s commitment to building an age-friendly Kuching South, which joined the World Health Organisation Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in October 2024.

hawkers Kuching lead MBKS Senior Citizen Grocery Voucher Programme onsite