KUCHING: The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Senior Citizen Grocery Voucher Programme 2026 was successfully carried out at five markets in conjunction with the Mooncake Festival, benefiting 1,500 senior citizens.

According to a statement by MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng on Wednesday, the voucher redemption exercise was held at Petanak Market, Stutong Community Market, Bintawa Market, Sungai Apong Market and Kenyalang Market.

Eligible senior citizens used the vouchers to purchase groceries, fresh produce and other daily necessities from participating hawkers.

Dato Wee began his visit as early as 6 am, visiting all five markets to personally monitor the redemption exercise and ensure the process was smooth and convenient for senior citizens.

He said the programme was introduced for senior citizens living within the Kuching South jurisdiction as part of MBKS’ efforts to care for the elderly and build a more age-friendly city.

“Our senior citizens have contributed so much to their families, our community and the development of Kuching South. This programme is a small gesture to show that we appreciate them and that they remain an important part of our city,” he said.

Under the programme, 1,500 vouchers worth RM30 each were made available to eligible senior citizens aged 58 and above residing within the Kuching South jurisdiction.

Dato Wee said the initiative was also in line with MBKS’ commitment to building an age-friendly Kuching South.

Kuching South joined the World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in October 2024, and MBKS continues to introduce practical programmes aimed at encouraging senior citizens to remain active, connected and involved in the community.

He added that the programme was deliberately held at the five MBKS markets to also benefit local hawkers and small traders.

“Our markets are part of our neighbourhoods and our daily lives. Many of our hawkers have been operating here for many years. We want this programme to benefit both sides.

“Our senior citizens receive some support for their daily needs, while our hawkers also receive additional business,” he said.

Dato Wee said the money spent through the vouchers would go directly back into the local community while encouraging residents to continue patronising markets and supporting local traders.

During his visits, he also spoke with senior citizens and hawkers to hear their feedback on the programme.

“I came out early this morning because I wanted to see the actual situation myself. I wanted to make sure the redemption process was smooth and that our senior citizens did not face unnecessary difficulties.

“More importantly, I wanted to meet them personally and hear what they had to say,” he said.

He thanked the senior citizens for their support, as well as participating hawkers, councillors and MBKS staff who assisted throughout the registration and redemption exercise.

Dato Wee said the experience and feedback gathered from the programme would help MBKS improve similar initiatives in the future.

“An age-friendly city is not just about infrastructure. It is also about how we care for our senior citizens and make sure they continue to be part of our community.

“At the same time, when we can help our local hawkers and strengthen our markets through the same programme, it creates a benefit for the whole community.

“MBKS will continue to look at practical programmes that benefit our people and make Kuching South a caring and inclusive city for all ages,” he said. -UKASnews