KUCHING – The Semarak Hawker Centre was the focus of a major community clean-up on Saturday, 11 July 2026, as the North Kuching City Hall (DBKU) organised a gotong-royong programme in conjunction with the 2026 Clean Food Premises Campaign.
The initiative, officiated by YB Dato Fazzrudin bin Abdul Rahman, State Assemblyman for N.6 Tupong and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, formed part of DBKU’s Cleanliness Month 2026, celebrated every July.
The campaign reflects DBKU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the culture of cleanliness, improving hygiene standards at food premises, and raising public awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment for the benefit of all.
Participants included students from SIDMA Kolej, members of Kejiranan Mesra N.5 Tupong, volunteers, traders, and local residents. Together, they worked to clean and refresh the Semarak Hawker Centre, creating a more comfortable and conducive environment for both vendors and customers.
In addition to the clean-up, the programme featured the Buy Recycled Goods (3R) Campaign and the collection of used cooking oil. These activities aimed to encourage waste separation at source, increase recycling rates, and prevent improper disposal of cooking oil into drainage systems, which can cause pollution.
DBKU officials expressed appreciation for the strong turnout and cooperation shown by all parties involved. They emphasised that the spirit of volunteerism and collaboration between agencies, communities, and the public is vital in achieving the aspiration of making Kuching Utara a clean, sustainable, and liveable city.
Mayor of Kuching Utara, Yang Berbahagia Dato Haji Hilmy bin Haji Othman, attended the event alongside DBKU Director Encik Ramzi bin Abdillah and Deputy Director of the DBKU Regulatory Department, Puan Fatimah binti Jamail. Their presence underscored the importance of leadership support in driving community-centred initiatives.
The Clean Food Premises Campaign is part of DBKU’s broader strategy to ensure that food outlets meet high hygiene standards, protecting public health while enhancing the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. By involving traders and residents directly, the campaign reinforces the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
Community members noted that the programme provided an opportunity to strengthen neighbourhood ties while contributing to a healthier environment. Traders at the hawker centre expressed optimism that the initiative would encourage customers to feel more confident about food safety and hygiene.
Observers highlighted that the inclusion of recycling and waste management activities demonstrated DBKU’s holistic approach to environmental stewardship. By combining cleanliness with sustainability, the campaign addressed both immediate hygiene concerns and long-term ecological goals.
The success of the Semarak Hawker Centre gotong-royong reflects the growing momentum of community-driven initiatives across Sarawak. As DBKU continues to promote its Cleanliness Month, similar programmes are expected to take place in other areas, reinforcing the state’s vision of a cleaner and more sustainable future.
