Medan Hamidah for food, sports and recreation

Story and photos by EFFADYLIA AFFENDI
sarawakstar@thestar.com.my
A ONCE barren 4.37ha hill at Jalan Bako in Kuching is now a hive of activity with the opening of Medan Hamidah.
The area contains a big food court with both indoor and outdoor dining areas, an air-conditioned restaurant, the first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) drive through restaurant in Sarawak and a convenience store operated by Kooperasi Baitumal (KOOPBAIT).
Due to the large area, there are ample parking spaces and the place is also ideal for jogging and cycling. It’s distance from the city makes it a quiet and peaceful place. The hilly location provides a panoramic view of Jalan Bako and the afternoon breeze gives the place a cooling effect.

A taste of Penang: Penang Char Kway Tiaw from Selera Utara dan Barat.

It is not only a place that offers choices when it comes to dining but it is also the first premise of its kind to be a wakaf. The wakaf system enables a property, either a plot of land or building to be designated for Muslim religious or charitable purposes whereby the profit gathered will be used to fund either mosques, schools, hospitals or orphanages.   Officially opened on May 21, the premise is managed by Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) as the land belongs to Majlis Islam Sarawak. Any land owned by Majlis Islam Sarawak can either be used to build mosques or turned into a Muslim cemetery or for wakaf.
The construction cost of RM6 million was donated by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s children, Datuk Seri Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib and Jamilah Hamidah Taib.
The net profit gathered from rental of stalls and restaurants in Medan Hamidah will be channeled to the Sarawak Orphans’ Association (PERYATIM) and Masjid Demak.
TBS general manager Abang Mohamad Shibli Abang Mohamad Nailie said it was the Chief Minister’s idea to build the wakaf premise at Jalan Bako.
“I was very happy with the Chief Minister’s idea. He envisioned a place where it is not only about the food but there is social interaction going on which promotes harmony and unity.

Lots of choices: Some of the side dishes for the Nasi Campur from Selera Kampong.

“Besides that, it is also the Chief Minister’s plan of implementing the wakaf system with the economic activities. The economic activities does not only bring in profit but also gives employment opportunities to the people,” he said.   The location of the premise is strategic as it is located near government offices and numerous housing estates which provide a good number of patrons during peak hours such as breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Before this, we were not sure what to do with the piece of land in Jalan Bako and when the opportunity showed itself, we knew it was best for the land to be wakaf through a commercial premise, especially an eatery as there are not many similar places in the area.”
Shibli also said since wakaf system is new in Sarawak, he hoped that Medan Hamidah would be a good example for others to follow.
“Prior to Medan Hamidah, we already have two wakaf clinics in Sarawak which helped inspire Johor Corportation and Kumpulan Perubatan Johor to establish 1Malaysia Clinic whereby people can get first class treatment at just RM5.
“We hope it will be the same for Medan Hamidah. We hope one day, it will be an icon in the wakaf system in Sarawak.”

Sweet delicacies: Local kuih-muih are also available for those who only wants something light.

The premises has a lot of activities planned for the coming months such as flea markets or car boot sales, Ramadhan Bazaar and screening of the World Cup matches on the big screen.   “Unlike Benteng along Jalan Satok, we hope Medan Hamidah will leave a different impression on people. Although there are a lot of different food choices in Benteng, the environment is still the same year after year because people go there for the food only,” said Shibli.
“I’m not saying there is anything wrong with Benteng but we would like Medan Hamidah to be the choice of all people from all walks of life through the activities organized here.”
In order to attract a more diverse age group, especially the internet savvy, the management plans to set up free Wi-Fi connection in the premise. The food court has eight stalls serving different delicacies and one drinks stall. The food stall tenants were chosen specifically by the management to ensure that the food served by each stall is unique to provide patrons with more choice. The tenants chosen not only consist of key players in the food industry in Kuching but also some fresh faces who just recently ventured into the business.

Young enterpreneurs: 18-year-olds Mohamad Rizal Waini (right) and Azrin from Aneka Kukus manage the stall themselves.

“Medan Hamidah not only provide people with employment but serve as a platform to jump start their business. We also plan to rent out small kiosks here for those who want to promote their products,” Shibli added.   The food court, both indoor and outdoor dining area is open air but has enough ventilation all over the place to make sure the place stays cool. There are at least 50 tables with four chairs minimum each enabling 200 seatings at one time. A small surau is also available if patrons wish to do their solat