Half of the morning market traders have been operating at this Persiaran SL 1 site. — Filepic
KAJANG Municipal Council (MPKj) is going ahead with plans to build a temporary space for morning market traders in Bandar Sungai Long, Kajang in Selangor.
The green light was given following a meeting with the Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) which approved an allocation of RM650,000 for the project.
MPKj acting president Mohd Fareez Mohd Ariss @ Mohd Hatta said, “After discussions with KPKT, we agreed to build a temporary market at Laman Niaga Komuniti Bandar Sungai Long on Jalan SL 2/3.”
He said the limited budget of RM650,000 meant that the local council could only proceed with a temporary market for the time being.
“We understand that residents need to have a permanent market in Bandar Sungai Long, and this was communicated to the ministry during our meetings.
“As such, KPKT has provisionally agreed for the council to propose a permanent structure,” said Mohd Fareez after the MPKj full board meeting for October.
“We understand that the ministry will assist MPKj to include an application for the permanent market project in the Fourth Rolling Plan (RP4) of the 12th Malaysia Plan by March 2024.
“If the project is approved, it will be added into RP4.
“We will know only sometime in 2025 if funds will be allocated to MPKj.”
He said that since the process would take time, it was necessary to build a temporary market first while working towards a long-term solution.
According to Mohd Fareez, more than 200 traders are currently operating in two locations – Laman Niaga and Persiaran SL1.
They would be brought together at the new temporary market, he said.
The structure is expected to be well-equipped with amenities such as surau, management office, and toilets.
When asked to give a timeline for the temporary market project, Mohd Fareez said the ministry had instructed MPKj to start work as soon as possible.
“The tender process is ongoing.
“MPKj expects to start work on the temporary market in November as we have prepared for this.”
He said construction would be completed sometime in 2024.
On disaster preparedness for the monsoon season, Mohd Fareez said the local council was fully ready.
“We have ensured all our equipment is updated and functioning properly.
“Additionally, our staff are on 24-hour standby to ensure residents’ safety and well-being,” he said.
