MAJOR repairs to Kampung Melayu Majidee wet market in Johor Baru are expected to be completed by end of November, says Johor Baru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He said the market had been closed since July 25 last year for the repairs, mainly to the building’s leaking roof.
“The main cause of the leaks was identified and the roof was replaced by the contractor under the purview of Johor Baru City Council (MBJB).
“The market, which consists of a wet market, food court and bazaar, has to be closed for the repairs and the existing 66 traders were temporarily relocated to the Taman Suria market.
“We also addressed other complaints that were raised previously, such as slippery tiles and problems with the pipe system and walls on the lower floor,” he said after a site visit.
Akmal Nasrullah said the slippery tiles were a hazard as many market visitors were senior citizens.
The repairs cost about RM8.1mil, which was borne by MBJB, he added.
Once repairs were completed, he said MBJB would advertise the availability of 147 trading lots.
“The existing traders will be given priority to choose whether they want to return to the market,” said Akmal Nasrullah.
He stressed that the present tenants should be given a chance to return to their previous lots, to prevent disputes.
“The other lots will be opened to new traders and I hope that the process will be done in an open and transparent manner,” he said.
He added that efforts should be made to attract more traders and visitors to the market.
Kampung Melayu Majidee market was built in 2012 to replace the old market structure situated in the residential area.