‘Miri Gong Xi Bazaar 2024 to be biggest one yet’
MIRI: This year’s ‘Miri Gong Xi Bazaar’, to be taking place at High Street and Jalan Raja here for eight days beginning this Feb 2, is expected to be the largest one ever, with a total of 330 stalls.
Mayor Adam Yii said the bazaar, which involves the collaboration of Miri Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), has become a signature event for Miri over the past 20 years.
“Also in the Gong Xi Bazaar this time, of the 330 stalls, 40 per cent will be operated by Bumiputera traders,” he told reporters during a press conference at Miri City Hall yesterday.
Yii pointed out that the involvement of Bumiputera traders would enrich the atmosphere of the bazaar, where there would be diverse food options – reflecting the diversity of the local community.
Nonetheless, the mayor also reminded everyone that throughout the eight-day bazaar, the Miri City Council (MCC) would close Kingsway Street from 5pm to midnight daily.
“The organisers this year will set up tables and chairs along Kingsway Street for the visitors to enjoy their meals.
“Clean water supply will also be provided at the venue for the convenience of those coming to the bazaar,” he added.
Yii also stressed that although there would be contracted cleaners at the venue, he called upon all visitors to be more considerate by properly disposing of their trash and leftovers after eating.
It was informed in the conference that a briefing on hygiene rules had been conducted for the traders on Jan 4, followed by an anti-typhoid vaccination and food-handling course for stall owners to be conducted this Jan 26.
The Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah would officiate at the bazaar’s official opening on Feb 3.
In addition, there would be accompanying events such as the ‘Chinese New Year Run 2.0’ to be flagged off by Minister for Transport Sarawak Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, and a ‘Cheongsam Queen’ pageant for women aged 30 and above on Feb 7.
The operator with the most attractive stall would also be rewarded with an attractive prize from the organiser.
“With these diverse and inclusive activities, the bazaar has become a symbol of celebrating culture and community spirit, reflecting the richness of Sarawak’s diversity and its people,” said Yii.
Also present at the press conference were the bazaar’s co-organising chairman and MCCCI vice-chairman I Vincent Lu and the bazaar’s co-working committee chairman Kapitan Albert Sim.