Noraini (front, third from left) and Azmi (in light pink shirt) on a walkabout with council staff at Block B of Meru Market Complex before launching the EKSA campaign for better market management. — KK SHAM/The Star
City council takes office system to 30-year-old complex to improve management, product displays
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) is introducing the Public Sector Conducive Ecosystem (EKSA) at Meru Market Complex to help create a more positive experience for marketgoers and traders.
Klang mayor Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan said this was the first time EKSA was being used by a local council to spruce up a wet market and improve the way fresh produce was displayed.
The system was established in 2014 by the government to enhance the quality of work environments in the public sector.
She said the city council wanted to create an environment that was clean and inviting, with clearly labelled areas for easy navigation.
She added that the space would also be refreshed on a regular basis to keep customers coming back.
“Our aim is to help traders in this traditional market to promote fresh food, position it as a place to get a bargain, and for marketgoers to enjoy the cultural experiences and lively ambiance,” Noraini said after launching EKSA in a simple ceremony at the complex.
Meru Market Complex is currently in the midst of a RM1mil rejuvenation process, which started last year and is expected to be completed by end-2024.
Management of the complex in Jalan Pasar Baru 3, which was built in 1994 after the old market in Jalan Pasar was demolished, comes under the purview of MBDK’s Health Department.
Its director Azmi Muji said the market traders were hit hard during the Covid-19 pandemic and customer numbers had yet to rebound.
“Most people avoid wet markets because they are often crowded, have slippery floors, and are dirty and smelly.
“With EKSA, we want to change the experience and offer a pleasant market visit.
“We want to use the principles of EKSA in the management of a wet market to create an orderly and practical trading environment in terms of cleanliness, high levels of hygiene and space for easy movement,” said Azmi.
As part of this effort, the toilets within the market complex have been renovated to ensure good hygiene standards.
MBDK Engineering Department director Zamri Othman said it was in the midst of refurbishment works at Block B for 128 concrete table tops used by poultry and meat traders.
“Internal and external drainage works are being realigned to our biofilter that discharges grey water,” he said.
He added that sewer lines within the complex were also being adjusted for better flow, with work to be completed in October.
“Once this is done, we will improve the roads around the complex, rearrange the parking bays, put up new signage and instal anti-climb fencing at the border of Block A for safety reasons,” said Zamri.
