DBKU takes lead to help food truck, cart operators with issuance of master licence

Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai

KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) is taking the initiative to help food truck and food cart operators by issuing a Master Licence to the Persatuan Peniaga dan Penjaja Bergerak Bumiputera Sarawak and by designating business space for the operators.
Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said DBKU is the first council in the state to allow food truck businesses to operate in its area, as part of efforts to make the city more vibrant and to improve the local economy.
“Food truck businesses are gaining popularity, and in order to keep abreast with the development, we need to ensure that the industry is regulated for the benefit of the operators and the community.

“To get the licence, food truck and food cart operators will have to register with the association. This is very important as the association will be responsible if any operator violates the licensing conditions or business permit.
“The licence for mobile vehicle for food truck and food cart business costs RM300 per year,” he told a press conference after officiating at a briefing for food truck and food cart operators and those interested to get involved in the industry at the DBKU City Library yesterday.
Abang Abdul Wahap added that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be signed between the council, Persatuan Peniaga dan Penjaja Bergerak Bumiputera Sarawak and Mara Sarawak to assist those who are interested in setting up food truck businesses.
“The MoU is to foster better cooperation and to ensure that the industry is well-organised. It will take into consideration everyone’s interest.
“It will be signed in January next year,” he said.
Abang Abdul Wahap further explained that the council would decide on the locations and business hours for the food truck operations.
“We have identified a few areas where the food trucks can operate at as well as the time that they can operate.
“However, even though the locations have been fixed, the council will consider any application to operate in different locations.
“We will also consider if food truck operators want to organise food fairs involving a few food trucks in one location. We are open to discussion,” he said.
The designated locations are Sukma Ria, Jalan Haji Taha, in front of DBKU Satok office, Esplanade Waterfront, below the flyover at Satok, Riveredge, in front of Plaza Astana and in front of RHB Bank Satok. The allowed operating hours are from 11am to 2pm and 6pm to midnight daily.
Persatuan Peniaga dan Penjaja Bergerak Bumiputera Sarawak has more than 10 members. Two have been issued licences by DBKU, while more are expected to get theirs soon.
Meanwhile, on a separate issue, Abang Abdul Wahap said the new location for the Uptown Night Market was still under discussion.
“We are looking at a few possible locations. We hope to solve the problem within the next three months, providing a win-win situation for all.
“The current location (Le’Park) is a problem mainly due to the operating hours. The market should end at 10:30pm but most of the time, it extends until 1am or 2am, thus causing a disturbance to the residents in the area,” he said.
Also present were DBKU director Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat and Mara Sarawak director Megat Zakaria Megat Ahmad.


* Note: Newspaper cut from The Borneo Post who has the copy right for the above article.