Kota Kinabalu: The Fiesta Makan-Makan Kota Kinabalu is set to be a stepping stone to establishing a network of new business which will strengthen the local economy, said Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah.
The event, which brought together 200 local entrepreneurs and featured 100 stalls, offered a wide variety of food products, including traditional dishes, village-style meals, western cuisine, pastries, as well as viral food and drinks, making it the perfect platform to promote local products.
“Through this fiesta, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and expertise in the culinary field.
“This event is organised with the aim of exposing the local community to the uniqueness of local flavours and traditional cultural dishes,” said Sabin.
“It also provides an opportunity for vendors to showcase their expertise in preparing interesting, unique and viral dishes.
“In line with the goals of the fiesta, I encourage entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity to focus on strengthening their identity, product quality, systems and branding, with the aim of expanding their reach beyond the local market and into international markets,” he said at the launch of the Fiesta Makan-Makan Kota Kinabalu on Friday (Feb 7).
His speech was delivered by City Hall (DBKK) Director General Lifred Wong, here.
The fourth edition of Fiesta Makan-makan maintains its original concept, which has proven to be relevant and in high demand, with some changes in the selection of new entrepreneurs and the inclusion of viral products based on current popularity, ensuring that the fiesta remains fresh and continues to attract the interest of visitors.
Among the strategies to attract more visitors was the introduction of new attractions, which was specifically designed for children.
“This year, we have introduced additional attractions in the Kids Zone, including the Balloon Palace and Giant Light-up Balloons, which are sure to be a favourite among the children,” he said.
The fiesta was also packed with variety of exciting activities, including the ADABI promotion as a strategic partner, Hot Wheels and Autoshow races and the Mini Games Zone featuring a haunted house, and automobile rides, as well as toy stalls for children, offering even more options for visitors.
Sabin also called on local food operators to be mindful of the quality of their products and the competency of their entrepreneurial skills, so as not to tarnish the image of Kota Kinabalu as a culinary paradise.
“The culinary industry is garnering growing international attention as a platform to showcase the unique arts and culture of a country and as everyone is aware, Malaysia is renowned as a food haven,” he said.
He also said in striving for the business’s economic progress, comes the responsibility of maintaining personal hygiene, keeping the business premises clean, and ensuring the cleanliness of the surrounding areas of the city
“It is crucial to implement initiatives that ensure a constant presence of cleaning staff, provide adequate waste bins, and maintain awareness of cleanliness and orderliness throughout business operations here.
“Through this effort, I hope we can achieve the vision of making Kota Kinabalu city not only a clean, beautiful, and unique with its own attractions, but also a city that is on par with others, both locally and internationally. I sincerely hope for your support and cooperation,” he said
