SIBU: Hawkers at Bandong Walk in Kampung Bandong here are giving the thumbs-up to the new trading avenue, which comes complete with facilities, including electricity and running water.
They described the place frequented by people as conducive for business activities.
Alina Abdullah, 42, for one, said being strategically located made it a crowd-puller, which was good for her cake business.
“It is easily accessible, which entices people to come. It is an ideal place to do business,” Alina from Kampung Barieng here told thesundaypost yesterday.
She recalled before moving to the Bandong Walk, she was trading at the roadside.
Now operating her stall as early as 6am daily, given the schools nearby, Alina was happy with the facilities provided.
“It is adequate as we have both electricity and water. Hence, we are able to operate until the evenings.”
She was waiting for the stainless steel booth, which traders there would be provided.
She started trading at Bandong Walk since the start of Ramadan.
Another hawker, Azlan Sahari, 42, who sells barbeque chicken, too was delighted with the avenue and facilities provided.
“My wife and I start our business around 10am until 9pm or later daily,” he said.
He too was delighted to be able to run his business at such an ideal location.
Meanwhile, Sibu Bandong Community Development Association (PPKB Sibu) chairman Abang Morni Datuk Abang Zainuddin, disclosed that there are 22 traders currently.
He pointed out that traders would be supplied with stainless steel booth by Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development in the Chief Minister’s Office.
Bandong Walk is managed by the association, where traders are supplied with electricity and water for them to carry out their business, Abang Morni said.
“Hawkers trade from the morning until the evening depending on their business.
“Of the 22 stalls, about four are selling merchandise such as clothing and accessories,” Abang Morni said.
Meanwhile, when inspecting the site in May this year, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development) Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais, said the projects cost about over RM400,000.
Naroden pointed out that provision of proper and legal premises had always been among the state government’s policies as many traders have proper places to ply their trade and to ensure food traders apply for halal certificates in future.
He said then this would also encourage more potential enterpreneurs to fall in line with simple businesses too.
Naroden suggested that the Bandong Walk concept of business premises like this could be a viable model that could be emulated by other councils in the state.
Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee had said at Bandong Walk, foodies were spoilt for choice with the wide variety to savour.
The idea of Bandong Walk was first mooted during the Nangka Bumiputera Economic Convention (NBEC) here in February 2012.
Food outlets in Kampung Bandong were set up in the late 80s and have since become a hit among local food lovers.-Borneo Post
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