Wee puzzled why MBKS targeted by rumour mongers
KUCHING: Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng has urged rumour mongers to use their free time to help those in need instead of spoiling the harmony and unity amongst Sarawakians.
He was responding to rumours that Chinese participants in the coming Kuching Festival do not have to pay stall rental while those of other races have to.
“I don’t understand why people want to create rumours around. Like I said, we don’t want people to miss out.
“We treat everyone the same,” he said when met at the Kuching Clean Toilet Campaign certificate presentation ceremony at the lobby of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) headquarters yesterday.
He also pointed to a similar rumour about the MBKS Ramadan bazaar that Malay operators did not have to pay stall rental.
“If you remember, during the Ramadan bazaar last month, there were eight corporate bodies that came out to sponsor the rental, so I can’t go and charge again can I?”
He remarked that rental charge of RM500 over 20 days for the Kuching Festival is a reasonable amount.
“We still maintain the price as before. We try to cut down unnecessary expenses, and we are also talking to vendors to keep the food price quite reasonable,” the mayor added.
He then wondered why MBKS is being targeted by such rumours.
“Spreading rumours will not help you (rumour mongers) win. The council treats everyone the same. Some areas that are not under MBKS jurisdiction, we still come in and see if we can assist,” he said.
“I don’t know if they (rumour mongers) do it intentionally or not, but for God’s sake, don’t spoil the harmony in our Sarawak. If you really have the free time, let’s help people who need help. That is more meaningful.”
Meanwhile, 58 food operators received the Kuching Clean Toilet Campaign certificates at the event.
“The city council realises the significance of providing safe and hygienic toilet to ensure user awareness of toilet etiquettes because having proper toilet facilities and good user behaviours will improve the cleanliness, sanitation, well being and health of the environment and community or society at large,” he explained.
Wee noted that Kuching City has been designated as City of Gastronomy which attracts visitors and tourists.
“Most people, if not all, can get very uptight about cleanliness. A true gastro connoisseur would probably agree with this.
“Cleanliness is closely related to health, comfort, beauty, and pride of the people of a city. And a dirty city reflects the state of mind and the attitude of its people towards hygiene and cleanliness,” the mayor said.