BAU: Jagoi Farmers’ Stalls (Gerai Tani Jagoi) at Kampung Sri-ieng here are now officially open for business.
Tasik Biru assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep officiated at the opening ceremony on Sunday (Sept 6).
Eight local hawkers are currently trading at the stalls and awaiting business permits from Bau District Council.
According to Henry, the temporary closure of the Serikin border has caused sellers from the border to move their businesses to Bau.
“By preparing a space for local farmers and vegetable growers to do businesses like this, we are also developing and utilising the land through the agriculture facilitation fund and the Ministry of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development.
“We are helping those involved in agriculture to expand their plantations.
“With these stalls, residents don’t have to go out of Bau to get vegetable produce,” he said in his speech at the launching ceremony.
“We are thankful to the state government through Bau District Council for the RM20,000 allocation for the renovation and upgrading of these farmers’ stalls.
“I would also like to thank the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKKs) from various villages around here for conducting a ‘gotong-royong’ to clean up the area and also the local council for building the toilets and reinstalling new roofs,” added the assemblyman.
District Officer of Bau, Anelia Siam revealed the building of the Farmers’ Stalls was part of the plans of the Bau District Council.
“There are a lot of farmers and vegetable growers in Bau and by providing this facility, we now have a place for them to sell their products.
“We hope that this can them help to increase their business revenues,” she said.
Anelia also advised local hawkers to register themselves so that it would be easier for them get help from the Agriculture Department or other agencies.
“In order to promote our local products, we want active vendors who can sell every day.
“For trading licences, vendors can come to the council for any inquiries,” she added.
Anelia also explained that both the council and the JKKKs would take care of the stalls.
Penghulu Sunmy Lidel of Jagoi Zone revealed that the original hawker stalls at the site were built 10 years.
They were abandoned until Henry and Anelia decided to renovate them.
He revealed that Bau District Public Works Department (JKR) was also responsible for expanding the parking areas for customers.
“I hope the council will provide training for these local vendors in terms of price tagging and understanding a few laws such as Weights and Measures Act 1972.
“The Health Department should also educate them on food safety.
“As for the local vendors, I hope you will set up an association so that it will be convenient for you to get in touch with the council or Henry for funds and assistance,” he added.
Sunmy also thanked the owner of the land for giving them permission to use the land to set up the farmers’ stalls.
