SARIKEI – The annual Ramadan Bazaar organised by the Sarikei District Council (MDS) has once again provided a vital platform for small and medium traders, with 186 stalls taking part this year.
Officiating the event, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, emphasised that the bazaar plays a significant role in strengthening the local economy during the fasting month. He reminded traders that success should not be measured solely by sales figures but also by the quality of food and the cleanliness of the environment.
“Traders need to ensure that the food sold is always fresh, clean and safe to eat. The cleanliness of the stalls and surrounding areas must also be maintained so that visitors feel comfortable,” he said during the launch ceremony on Saturday.
Datuk Len, who is also the Kuala Rajang assemblyman, highlighted that the bazaar is more than a commercial space. It is a community hub where residents gather to enjoy a variety of iftar meals in a safe and orderly setting. He urged traders to comply with health and council guidelines to ensure smooth operations throughout the month.
The event also featured the introduction of several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and public health. Among them were the Iboh Ceridak Campaign by the Sarikei Division Health Office, the No Plastic Bag Campaign, and the Say No to Styrofoam & Plastic Straw Campaign spearheaded by the Sarikei District Council.
These programmes were complemented by the Ramadan Bazaar Rahmah Programme and the MySaveFood Ramadan Initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Community College.
The bazaar will continue to operate daily until 20 March 2026, offering a wide range of food choices for the community to break their fast. Organisers have stressed that maintaining hygiene and food safety is essential to ensure the bazaar remains a welcoming space for all.
Also present at the ceremony were Council Deputy Chairman Misiah Abu Seman, Council Secretary Lolita Jaime Nicholas, and Sarikei Hospital Director Dr Johnny Kelak, who joined in supporting the initiatives aimed at improving community well-being.
The Sarikei Ramadan Bazaar has become a fixture in the district’s calendar, not only boosting the economy of small traders but also reinforcing community spirit. With its focus on sustainability, health, and inclusivity, the bazaar continues to evolve as a model for similar events across Sarawak.
