KUCHING — The much-loved Kenyalang Chinese New Year Festive Sales will return in 2026, continuing a long-standing tradition that has shaped the cultural and commercial spirit of the Kenyalang Park community for decades. What began in an old neighbourhood long before modern malls existed has grown into one of Kuching’s most recognisable festive marketplaces, drawing visitors from all walks of life each Lunar New Year.
This year’s festive sales will run for 15 days, from 2 February to 16 February 2026. Permit applications will open soon, from 2 to 15 December 2025, giving traders ample time to prepare. The event will once again take place at the Kenyalang Park Commercial Centre, preserving the familiar setting that residents have cherished for generations.
In line with tradition, priority will be given to shop lot owners and tenants, and each shop lot may apply for up to two trading spaces. Despite rising costs in many sectors, organisers have maintained the same affordable rates, ensuring the event remains accessible to small traders. Shop lot owners and tenants will pay RM100 per stall, while the public rate stands at RM150 per stall.
A total of 277 stalls will be made available this year. Of these, 106 stalls are reserved for shop owners and tenants, while 171 stalls are allocated to members of the public. This balanced distribution ensures that long-established traders and new participants alike can benefit from the festive economy.
Beyond being a marketplace, the Kenyalang CNY Festive Sales is a platform deeply rooted in cultural preservation and community unity. Many traders here are home-based entrepreneurs—bakers, crafters, designers, and small-scale producers who rely on this annual opportunity to grow their income while sharing their festive creations.
The event also aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, offering meaningful economic opportunities to micro-entrepreneurs and sustaining a vibrant local economy. For MBKS, continuing this festive sales tradition is part of its commitment to supporting livelihoods, nurturing entrepreneurship, and keeping the cultural heartbeat of Kenyalang alive.
As the Lunar New Year draws near, the public is encouraged to visit the Kenyalang Park Commercial Centre, support local traders, and take part in a celebration that blends heritage with community spirit.
