Motivated Ramadan Vendors lauded Minister for Support and encouragement

18 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The presentation of canopies to 30 Ramadan Bazaar vendors was lauded by, the Kota Kinabalu District Hawkers’ and Small Traders’ Entrepreneurs Association as a tremendous motivation.

Its president Ramzih Ruzin expressed his appreciation to Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for his presence and his strong support.

He said the Ramadan vendors participating in the Ramadan Bazaar at the Sabah Trade Centre were quite motivated.

“We are truly grateful to Datuk Ewon for recognising the welfare of small-scale traders and for giving us the mandate to manage this bazaar,” he said during the launch ceremony today.

A total of 30 small traders will begin operations tomorrow in conjunction with the start of Ramadan.

Ramzih said the minister had granted a full mandate through the relevant agencies for the Kota Kinabalu Hawkers and Traders Entrepreneurs Association to supervise and manage operations at the trading site.

As part of the support extended, each of the 30 traders received a free canopy and apron as a symbolic gesture to promote uniformity and ease their financial burden in preparing for business.

“This assistance not only reduces their costs but also boosts their motivation to trade throughout Ramadan,” he said.

The bazaar will feature a wide range of food offerings, including Malay, Western and Arabic cuisine such as kebabs and biryani, as well as beverages. Priority has also been given to entrepreneurs with their own branded products, including homemade coffee and tea, to help expand their market presence.

Operating hours are expected to run from 3.30 pm to 8.00 pm daily, subject to permit approval by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), which is currently processing applications.

Ramzih added that there are long-term plans to improve the site’s infrastructure, including allocating a dedicated trading area outside the main parking space to allow traders to operate more comfortably without disrupting existing facilities.

While the bazaar is organised in conjunction with Ramadan, he said efforts are underway to continue operations as a regular night market beyond the fasting month.

“We do not want these 30 traders to lose their trading space after Ramadan. Our aim is to provide them with continuous opportunities to sustain their livelihoods,” he said.

He also reminded traders to uphold cleanliness, safety and hygiene standards to ensure the continued support of the authorities and the success of the initiative.