Cleanliness Key To Ramadan Appeal In Kota Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU, March 17 (Bernama) -- Discipline and cooperation among traders in managing solid waste have been identified as crucial factors in maintaining cleanliness at Ramadan bazaar sites, ensuring a neat and orderly business environment.

A Bernama survey at the Ramadan Bazaar in Lintasan Deasoka found that personnel from the Solid Waste Management Department of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) were actively carrying out cleaning work before operations began.

At the same time, traders took the initiative to provide garbage bins at their respective stalls.

Many traders agreed that effective solid waste management cannot rely solely on DBKK, but requires collective responsibility to keep the area clean.

Food trader Mohd Syauqei Sahri, 35, said close cooperation between DBKK and traders is key to ensuring waste is managed efficiently.

He commended DBKK’s daily post-operation cleaning efforts, describing them as an effective measure to keep the area litter-free.

“We also have a responsibility to maintain cleanliness at our stalls because we operate throughout the entire month of Ramadan. If something is overlooked, we will step in to clean it,” he told Bernama.

He added that maintaining high cleanliness standards is especially important for bazaars located in city centres, as it helps enhance the image of Kota Kinabalu among tourists.

“From a tourism perspective, cleanliness is essential so that the bazaar is visually appealing. It helps promote Sabah as a clean destination,” he said, noting that the bazaar attracts both locals and foreign visitors.

According to him, the Ramadan bazaar is not only a focal point for locals to get various 'sungkai' dishes, but also attracts many foreign tourists.

Another trader, Nur Iesha Nor Faizal, 18, also praised DBKK’s efforts, including surprise inspections to ensure compliance with cleanliness requirements such as providing trash bins at every stall.

“After operations, before packing up, we make sure the surrounding area is clean, with no rubbish or oily floors. If food falls, we clean it immediately,” she said.

She stressed that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility, as it directly affects customer confidence and business sustainability.

“Traders cannot focus solely on profit. Cleanliness is vital for customer comfort and maintaining our reputation. If the area is dirty, customers won’t come, and we will lose out,” she added.

-- BERNAMA