MBKS hits roof over compensation demands

by Samuel Aubrey, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on July 8, 2014, Tuesday

KUCHING: It is unlikely for Kuching City South Council (MBKS) to compensate the hawkers affected by the re-roofing of the Kenyalang Food Centre.

A statement issued by the council here yesterday said it is improper for MBKS to compensate the hawkers of Kenyalang Food Centre as the council already provides the hawkers with a place for business and trading at very minimal fees with improved facilities.

MBKS also said it was a huge disappointment when hawkers resorted to asking for compensation through politicians.

MBKS adheres to its principle of putting the interest of the people above all. We understand that the leaking roof has affected their businesses. We are now improving the condition there. Does MBKS deserve to be blamed?

If our politicians truly mean to help the people, they should ask the hawkers to work with the council instead of distorting the logic by asking hawkers to demand for compensation from the local council as a compensation for the loss of business, said the MBKS statement.

Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong of DAP had last Thursday met up with the hawkers. She was quoted in the media to have suggested to MBKS to at least emulate Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to provide assistance to the affected hawkers.

She explained that DBKU had in the past compensated RM500 to every hawker at the Open Air Market when the stalls were closed for renovation.

The Kenyalang Food Centre is now closed for upgrading works on the roof, and is expected to re-open on July 20.

MBKS added it was disheartened by Yong who claimed to represent the hawkers to request for compensation to cover the two-week stoppage period to enable re-roofing of the Kenyalang Food Centre.

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MBKS hits roof over compensation demands