Kota Kinabalu: Traders and seafood operators at Todak Night Market have been encouraged to be more creative and introduce greater menu variety to attract more tourists and visitors to stop by and enjoy seafood there.
Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (Safma) Chairman Datuk Mohammad Mohamarin said Safma strongly encouraged traders and seafood operators to continuously highlight the market’s unique features and attractions, particularly through a wider variety of dishes.
“Sabah is well known for its seafood, but to offer something different, compete and ensure visitors come and become our customers, we need to be creative in how we market and sell our products.
“By creativity, I mean offering a variety of menus and seafood dishes because the location is already strategic, with most visitors coming to enjoy seafood as well as the sunset views.
“Therefore, it is important for traders and operators to take this matter seriously,” he said when met by Harian Ekspress during a visit to Todak Night Market here, on Wednesday night.
Mohammad said Safma would also remain committed to ensuring a continuous supply of seafood for all dealers, wholesalers and buyers.
“Safma’s role is to ensure that we have supplies of fish and all the seafood products that we market.
“I would also like to invite all consumers to visit Safma because we have a wholesale market that operates daily from 11pm to 6am,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also commented on traders operating without licences at Todak Night Market, which is managed by Safma.
He said Safma was open to cooperating with the authorities and relevant agencies to address the issue of traders operating without valid licences.
“Operations are carried out by the relevant authorities, while SAFMA itself has always encouraged, reminded and urged traders making a living here to comply with the law.
“Obtain a business licence from the relevant authorities such as Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). All traders and operators renting stalls here are registered under contracts, have licences and are fully supervised by the Safma Waterfront Seafood Operators Association,” he said.
Recently, the media reported that two unlicensed traders at Todak Night Market were issued compounds, while their motorcycles and equipment were seized by DBKK.
Mohammad added that Safma also regularly held discussions and maintained close cooperation with the association to identify problems faced by traders and operators.
“We want the best for the traders and operators here because everyone is making a living at Safma’s night market site, so we will continue to work towards improving the situation and finding comprehensive solutions to every problem that arises,” he said.
