LDP Distributes Calendars, Engages Vendors in Sandakan

7 February 2026

SANDAKAN: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Vice President Chong Thien Ming today led a team of party members on a walkabout to distribute calendars to vendors at Kim Fung Market, Elopura Market and the Central Market here.

Chong said the calendar distribution was an annual activity that the LDP would continue to carry out. He stressed that although the party currently holds no official position in Sandakan, it remains committed to serving the local community.

During the walkabout, Chong said the team listened directly to the concerns and difficulties faced by vendors, adding that he was encouraged by the continued support and understanding shown by Sandakan residents and traders.

At the Central Market, vendors welcomed the LDP delegation and raised issues relating to cleanliness and the need for repairs. Chong questioned why the opposition appeared to focus solely on the welfare of vendors at Pasar Dinihari while long-standing issues at the Central Market were seemingly overlooked.

He noted that the opposition had recently highlighted the transition of Pasar Dinihari to Pasar Borong Ramai-Ramai on social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok. However, Chong claimed that the number of illegal vendors at Pasar Dinihari continued to increase, with many refusing to relocate.

“Why are these illegal vendors being protected?” he asked.

Chong emphasised that the Sandakan Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan, MPS) was attending to the needs of genuine and licensed vendors who were trying to earn an honest living. He urged opposition leaders to adopt a rational approach and focus on assisting legal vendors and suppliers rather than politicising the issue.

He also revealed that some Central Market vendors preferred to approach MPS directly instead of seeking help from elected representatives, as they felt they were being used for political purposes.

“Many complaints have been made to elected representatives, but no action was taken,” he said.

Chong assured vendors that he would convey their concerns to the President of MPS, Tuan Walter Kenson, to seek improvements in services and ensure appropriate follow-up action.

“We are entering a phase of improvement, and every detail will be carefully addressed,” he said.