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KUCHING, 22 March 2025 – Kampung Semeba has taken a significant step in community development with the grand opening of the “Kampung Semeba Hawker Stall Centre”. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Honourable Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang, the Assemblyman for N.13 Batu Kitang, at Kampung Semeba Vendor Centre.
A Milestone for Local Entrepreneurs
The newly built hawker centre is set to become a vibrant economic hub for Kampung Semeba, providing opportunities for local vendors to grow their businesses. The project was initiated by the Kampung Semeba Village Development and Safety Committee (JKKK) and completed through a gotong-royong effort, with a budget of RM300,000. Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang also pledged an additional RM100,000 for road improvements and ceramic floor tiling to enhance the hawker centre.
Grand Opening Ceremony Highlights
The event kicked off at 6:15 PM with the arrival of tribal heads, followed by residents and invited guests. A prayer session led by En. Peter Pasen set a solemn yet joyous mood for the ceremony. Kampung Semeba JKKK Chairman, En. Jubah Kanak-Kanak Thomas, delivered a speech highlighting the journey of the hawker centre’s development.
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In his address, YB Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang emphasized the importance of community support and collaboration. He encouraged Kampung Semeba residents to back their village leaders in order to secure more beneficial projects in the future.
Project Timeline and Future Enhancements
The Phase 1 construction of the hawker stalls began on 9 August 2022, with an initial budget of RM200,000. However, the stalls were incomplete due to the lack of essential utilities and structural additions. In March 2024, an additional RM100,000 was allocated, leading to the completion of the facility through a gotong-royong effort. The hawker centre officially began operations on 7 December 2024.
Despite the successful completion, additional improvements are still needed. The kitchen and dining areas require ceramic tiles for better hygiene, and the surrounding tar-sealed roads need repairs to prevent water accumulation. The estimated cost for these upgrades is RM75,000.
A New Social and Business Hub
The Kampung Semeba Hawker Centre operates daily except Sundays and features a variety of local delicacies, including kolok mee, fried noodles, clay pot dishes, burgers, and traditional kuih. It also serves as a recreational space for the community, offering karaoke and busking sessions at night.
Chairman Jubah Kanak-Kanak Thomas urged the public to support the hawker centre by visiting and promoting it through social media. “Enjoy the delicious food and share the experience with your friends on WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok!” he encouraged.
The event concluded with a community feast, strengthening the bonds among Kampung Semeba residents. The success of the hawker centre marks a new chapter in the village’s development, bringing economic and social benefits to the community.