The area for fishmongers was the first to be upgraded at the Bayan Baru Market Complex. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
SHOPPING at the Bayan Baru Market Complex in Penang is a breeze now that it has larger stalls and better access.
After a significant makeover, the lower floor of the market has new flooring that adds aesthetic appeal, durability and ease of maintenance.
Better lighting and ventilation have also created a more inviting atmosphere, making it a comfortable space for both traders and shoppers.
All the 36 fishmongers there now have new countertops and functional workspaces to showcase their seafood.
According to Bayan Baru Market Traders Association chairman Tan Ken Keong, there are 120 stalls in the market that has been in operation since 2000.
Poonitha has been told that he and other vendors will be moved to an area that is better lit.
He said the market upgrade was being done in two phases.
The first phase, which began last year and took 15 months to complete, involved improving the area now occupied by the fishmongers.
“There are 36 stalls in this area now. The place is brighter and cooler, thanks to the open-air design that allows sunlight to stream in from the front.
“Previously, the market was enclosed by walls on all sides, creating a dim and stuffy atmosphere.
The vegetable section of the Bayan Baru market is the next area to be revamped under the second phase.
“With the introduction of grilles in the front, the space feels bigger and more inviting.
“The redesign not only makes the market visually appealing but also creates a pleasant environment for both shoppers and traders.”
Tan said the plan was to create a more spacious market and conducive shopping environment with a systematic layout.
“For over 20 years, the market’s narrow lanes between stalls have made it challenging for customers to move around, especially during peak hours.”
He said 42 ceiling fans were installed throughout the area to improve ventilation and enhance the shopping experience.
The parking lot at the Bayan Baru Market Complex.
Tan said there was now ample space behind the stalls for vendors’ tables and belongings.
“The natural light and improved ventilation have transformed the market into a lively place,” he added.
Fishmonger Ooi Beng Peng said he was pleased with the additional space behind their counters, as it allowed them to place tables and containers there.
“With more room, we can keep our work area organised without cluttering the walkways.
“Previously, market traders often had to set up tables outside their stalls, creating a messy environment and making it difficult for shoppers to move.”
After moving in at the end of last June, Ooi expressed enthusiasm for the transformation.
“The market is much nicer now. The new design has really made a difference.
“I have been here since the beginning and I find the changes have made a big difference to our work environment,” he said.
Comprehensive upgrade
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said the entire upgrading project cost around RM5mil.
Ooi says the additional space allows vendors to keep their work area organised without cluttering the walkways.
He said the first phase was budgeted at RM1.4mil while the second phase was projected to cost RM3.6mil.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) funded RM3.6mil while Sim allocated RM400,000 from his parliamentary allocation for the project. The project also received RM1mil from Housing and Local Government Ministry.“MBPP liked the idea we proposed. An allocation was given but it was not enough, so I chipped in with my constituency funds,” said Sim.
He said the original intention was to make the necessary repairs and updates, but it was obvious that more extensive changes were needed.
“We engaged an architect to help design a more functional and aesthetically pleasing market.
“Our goal was to replace the typical wet market flooring with a dry surface.
“The architect developed an excellent concept to achieve that,” he elaborated.
When work on the first phase was being carried out, the fishmongers operated from makeshift stalls near the market premises, said Sim.
The temporary structure built to house traders when renovation works are carried out at the Bayan Baru market.
He said the second phase, expected to commence next month, would focus on upgrading areas for traders selling meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits and dry food.
Work would be carried out in sections, beginning with the area for vegetable vendors, and was expected to be completed in a year, he said.
“The goal of these improvements is to provide both traders and shoppers with better ventilation, a brighter environment and a cleaner, drier space that minimises odour.
“We envision a market that is no longer chaotic, but rather a welcoming destination that attracts more customers.
“By enhancing the overall experience, we aim to create an environment that encourages community engagement and supports local businesses.
“This transformation will not only benefit traders, but also ensure that shoppers can enjoy their time at the market,” noted Sim.
Anticipating changes
Hazrol says he and the other vegetable vendors chose a layout they liked best.
As the second phase of the upgrading is about to commence, the other vendors are optimistic about the changes.
Vegetable seller Hazrol Izam, who has been in the business for decades, said he and the other vegetable vendors had been shown two plans before all 30 of them agreed on one layout.
“We know what the layout will look like and it promises to provide us with more space,” he said.
Hazrol said he was happy with the current stall layout and was a little concerned that the new system would change the way he set up his stall.
“Hopefully, the improvements will benefit everyone,” he said.
Hazrol, whose stall is conveniently located near the entrance, said the new plans would include built-in tables for each stall.
“We will just shift a little forward but stay in the same site.”
He said they would soon have to move to a temporary stall area to accommodate the upgrading work.
“They will notify us a few weeks in advance. We have been told the renovation will take about three months, so we hope there won’t be any delays.
“The fishmongers had to wait over a year before they could move back in, we hope that won’t happen to us,” he added.
Poonitha Rajan, who has been selling sundry goods there for decades, said he was aware that an upgrade would take place.
“MBPP representatives told us that we will move across from our current stalls, to a better-lit area, but the roof is leaking there so it may take some time,” he said.
