Kota Kinabalu: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah’s tourism sector can be strengthened by improving cleanliness standards at night markets, particularly at sites frequented by foreign visitors.
Speaking at the launch of the Clean Night Market Campaign, Joniston called on all night market traders in the city to prioritise hygiene and food safety at their stalls.
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“I want to urge all night market traders in this city to always prioritise cleanliness and food safety aspects.
“This is important to ensure the business environment becomes safer, more comfortable and trusted by all visitors and tourists.
“It is not only traders, but Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), the community and everyone must share the responsibility of maintaining cleanliness together,” he said.
Joniston said traders play a frontline role in determining hygiene standards at night markets as they interact directly with customers.
“Traders must always focus on keeping their stalls clean, handling food safely and managing waste responsibly.
“Cleanliness must be given serious attention because it is not only related to the image of the business itself, but it can also have an impact on the health of consumers and customers who buy from them at the night market,” he said.
He also said the selection of the Api-Api Night Market on Jalan Gaya for the programme, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, was a recognition of the market’s potential.
Joniston said the site’s strategic location had made it a draw for both local visitors and foreign tourists seeking local fare, contributing to the vibrancy of Kota Kinabalu city.
“Night markets are not merely a people’s economic hub, but also a space to showcase local identity, cultural diversity and the uniqueness of local food that is the pride of Sabah,” he said.
The campaign involves DBKK, night market traders, the local community and market visitors.
