Ramadan Bazaar at Sabah Trade Centre starts tomorrow

18 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Thirty hawkers and small traders were accorded with canopies at the Sabah Trade Centre (STC) Ramadan Bazaar in Likas.

Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Sabah, Datuk Ewon Benedick, was on hand to hand over canopies to the recipients.

He said the contribution represents his ministry’s ongoing support for small-scale traders across the state.

“I hope the STC Ramadan Bazaar brings abundant blessings and provides an opportunity for small traders to generate income throughout the month of Ramadan,” he said.

“The ministry remains committed not only to managing large-scale industrial investments but also to supporting the growth of small and micro entrepreneurs in Sabah,” he added.

Ewon made the remarks to reporters after officiating a brief ceremony to launch the STC Ramadan Bazaar and present the canopies to the 30 small traders, who are also members of the Kota Kinabalu District Hawkers and Small Traders Entrepreneurs Association (PUPPKKK).

Regarding development plans for the area, Ewon said his ministry had received several proposals for the redevelopment of STC.

“However, we will review and determine the best proposals to be presented to the Cabinet before any final decision is made,” he said.

As an interim measure, he explained, the Industrial Development and Research Department (DIDR), as the landowner, has signed an agreement with POIC Sabah, an agency under MINDET, to maintain and manage the Sabah Trade Centre and its surrounding areas until directed otherwise by the Sabah State Cabinet.

Meanwhile, PUPPKKK has been granted permission to operate the Ramadan Bazaar and conduct evening trading activities in the designated car park areas.

“Not all car park spaces will be used, as some are reserved for civil servants during working hours, as well as for residents and visitors to nearby premises,” said Ewon.

He added that existing facilities would need to be upgraded, including road and pathway repairs, as well as general maintenance of the area and parking, to ensure comfort for both traders and visitors.

Also present at the event were Ministry Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijjin, POIC Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Fredian Gan, DIDR Director Siti Nur’ain Abdullah, and PUPPKKK Chairman Ramzih Ruzin.