Impressive landmark: Seberang Jaya’s new market complex in Jalan Tenggiri is almost completed and is expected to be fully operational in August next year. (Inset) The temporary market in Jalan Todak is said to be overcrowded. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE long wait for a more conducive shopping ambience for market-goers in Seberang Jaya, Penang, will be finally over when the new Seberang Jaya Market and Hawker Centre opens to the public in August next year.
Construction of the RM19.5mil building on a 5.05ha land in Jalan Tenggiri began in 2019.
The project, mooted in 2018, is under the Penang Development Corporation.
The Seberang Jaya temporary market and hawker centre is said to be overcrowded and not conducive for both shoppers and traders. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Upon completion, it will be handed over to Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) as the owner.
It was reported that there was a delay in construction during the various phases of the movement control order when the country was hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Seberang Prai mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad said construction was already in its final stage, with completion expected by Aug 31 next year.
The new building will have 112 wet stalls, 51 dry stalls and 90 booths at its hawker centre.
The new place will also have 220 lots for its street mall section, management office, surau, disabled-friendly toilets, and rubbish depots.
Once completed the new market in Jalan Tenggiri will feature 112 wet stalls and 51 dry stalls while the hawker centre will have 90 booths.
“Another good feature of the new market and hawker centre is the safety aspects, where there will be installation of fences and lighting around the complex compound,” said Azhar.
“It will also feature other disabled-friendly facilities such as ramp, tactile flooring and designated parking for the disabled.
“Those living in Seberang Jaya and the surrounding areas will benefit from the new and latest landmark in the area,” he said.
Optimistic townsfolk
Businessman Mohd Yusof Ibrahim, 49, cannot wait to do his marketing there as he finds the current temporary market site in Jalan Todak, located three minutes’ drive from the new market, not conducive.
Naneeshwaran wants Seberang Jaya to have modern features.
“I have been coming to this market for the past five years. It is overcrowded and not well organised.
“There are not enough parking bays either. We hope the new place will be ready and become a new landmark for Seberang Jaya town,” he added.
Seberang Jaya resident Y. Naneeshwaran, 56, wants the constituency to look modern and complemented by the latest facilities and infrastructure.
“Getting a parking spot at the temporary market site is difficult, especially during public holidays and weekends.
“If we park by the roadside, we can get summons from the police,” he said.
The businessman, who has lived in Seberang Jaya for more than 30 years, said the residents deserved better public amenities as promised by the state government.
Housewife Choong Thoong Len, 70, hopes the new market complex will be spacious and have proper ventilation with a modern feel.
“Hopefully, the new facility will be bigger than the old one,” she said.
Chong wants the relevant authority to expedite the opening of the new Seberang Jaya market.
Market traders and hawkers, some 200 of them, hope to occupy the new building soon.
Petty trader A. Mahendran, 62, said the new market and hawker centre would be an excellent addition to the township.
“Seberang Jaya is a modern suburb. We have everything here, and the new market and hawker centre will be a boost to the socio-economy here,” he said.
Mahendran, who has been selling groceries for 30 years at the Seberang Jaya Market before the relocation to the temporary site, hopes the local authorities will expedite the complex project.
Capati seller Kamal Md Ismail, 42, believes the new place will offer visitors a fresher and brighter feel.
“As of now, we have not heard anything from the Seberang Prai City Council or Penang Development Corporation about the on-going project. We are waiting patiently (to move),” he said.
Kamal hopes the new market complex will provide a fresh feel.
While he appreciated the state government’s effort to build a new market complex in Seberang Jaya, vegetable trader Lim Kock Teik, 53, hoped the new rental rate would be affordable.
“Presently I only pay RM55 per month to trade here. I hope the rental will not be raised indiscriminately,” said Lim who has been selling vegetables at the market for about 30 years.
Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah said the new market and hawker centre in the constituency would surely benefit the traders and residents, and spur the local economy.
He, however, said engagement sessions must be held between the developer, MBSP and Seberang Jaya Traders Association so that all key stakeholders, especially the existing traders, would be well informed about the infrastructure, layout and the stall arrangement at the new complex.
“Everything should be carried out in a transparent manner, especially in the selection of business applications, with priority given to existing traders.
“There must also be a vetting process, and the names of traders who are no longer in business should be struck off so that opportunities can be given to new applicants.
“The project completion should be expedited,” he said.
