Huge crowds flood Foh Sang CNY night market despite controversy over high stall fees.
KOTA KINABALU: A three-day long Chinese New Year night market in Sabah has sparked controversy after vendors were charged fees that are more than eight times compared to what is typically collected by the local council.
The Luyang assemblyman's office had asked stall operators at the Foh Sang Chinese New Year Night Market to pony up RM550 for three days, despite Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) only imposing a RM20 charge per day, or RM60 for the entire event.
Staff of the Luyang assemblyman’s office claimed the higher charges were necessary to cover event costs.
Warisan Kota Kinabalu information chief Samuel Wong has since called out the pricing structure, questioning why an intermediary was profiting from the event instead of allowing vendors to pay DBKK directly.
“Many are asking why a middleman is making money off hardworking traders by charging RM550 when the actual city council fee is just RM60. Where is the rest of the money going?” Wong said.
Foh Sang, a lively commercial area in Luyang here, hosts an annual Chinese New Year Night Market that is a crowd puller for its festive vibe, food, and shopping.
Responding to public criticism, Luyang assemblyman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe defended the rental fees, arguing that the charges were not for profit but to fund event logistics, including tent rentals, lighting, sound systems, lion dance performances, and volunteer allowances.
“Our goal is to create a lively and festive experience for the community, and these things come at a cost,” Phoong said, adding that similar events such as the Kaamatan Night Market at the Koisaan Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang charge over RM1,000 per day through a bidding system, yet do not receive similar backlash.
Phoong also provided a financial breakdown, stating that stall fees only covered half of the total RM120,000 cost, with the rest subsidised by government allocations.
“To be transparent, I’m sharing the numbers. The event does not generate profit—we still need additional funding to cover costs,” he said.
According to Wong, despite Phoong’s explanation, many remain unconvinced, with stakeholders asking whether the assemblyman’s office should be in charge of fee collection at all in the first place.
Wong visited the Luyang People’s Service Centre, and recorded his interaction with the personnel there, with the video footage showing that the personnel were unable to provide a clear breakdown of the costs, with some insisting that "only those who paid the fees" have the right to raise concerns.
Wong also said he has obtained clarification from DBKK regarding the issue, and is expected to issue a statement on Thursday (Feb 13).
Earlier, the National Consumer Foundation (Sabah Branch) raised concerns over the sharp increase in stall rental fees, with president David Chan urging organisers to justify the hike.
He noted that in previous years, DBKK only charged RM4 per stall and warned that excessive profiteering could lead to fines under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Chan called on affected vendors and consumers to report unfair charges to the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, stressing the foundation’s commitment to fair pricing and consumer protection.
