Kuching: Shop operators at Padungan are urged to decorate and clean their buildings in conjunction with the coming Chinese Lunar New Year.

Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan said this is to reflect the spirit of unity among them as Padungan has become one of the attractions for locals and visitors.

"Padungan area, which has historical value, is one of the city areas that had attracted so many people to come.

"The number of people coming here (Padungan) continues to increase. As such, in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year, I encourage shop owners to decorate and clean their shops in the spirit of togetherness," he told the press after dressing up the ‘Padungan White Cat' in conjunction with the coming Chinese Lunar New Year yesterday.

One of the shop owners, Ngu Choo Kiong, sponsored the costume for the White Cat.

Chan complimented Ngu for his generous gesture and expressed hope that other shop owners would follow his example.

"It is not about how much you have contributed, but more importantly is our spirit of unity and our effort to make our city a beautiful and nice place to live in," he pointed out.

--Courtesy of The Borneo Post Online