A major portion of the federal allocation will be used to upgrade electrical wiring at Pasar Siti Khadijah, which is also a tourist attraction in Kota Baru. — Photos: Bernama
AN additional RM5.5mil in funds for the upgrading of Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kota Baru, Kelantan, will create a more conducive environment for business.
The market’s Bumiputera Petty Traders Association chairman Ahmad Nazri Che Omar said the transformation would enhance comfort for traders and shoppers.
He said a major portion of the funds would be used for electrical wiring works, painting the interior and exterior of the market as well as upgrading drain structures and toilets.
“We were told that work would begin next week, with the first step being the cleaning up of rubbish throughout the building.
“The whole upgrading process is scheduled to be completed in eight weeks,” he told Bernama.
He said the allocation meant a lot to the 1,400 traders who have been making a living at the market since it opened in 1985.
Ahmad Nazri said Pasar Siti Khadijah not only functioned as a business centre but also as a tourist site.
“The upgrading will revitalise the building, which will then attract more local and foreign visitors, thus invigorating business activities,” he said.
Improved building safety and comfort expected to attract more customers.
Keropok lekor seller Siti Hajar Rosli, 32, who took over the business from her in-laws, said her fellow traders appreciated the government’s concern as the market had not been well-maintained for a long time.
“It is high time that this dreary market is given a new lease of life, to create a more lively atmosphere.
“As traders, we certainly hope it will be revitalised because we have received a lot of complaints from visitors who described the market as being ‘not as good as it’s made out to be’,” she said.
Another trader, Amin Zulkifli, 33, said the emergence of various supermarkets in the city provided stiff competition to vendors at Pasar Siti Khadijah.
He said the government’s measures was timely, especially with online shopping gaining popularity.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening speech when tabling Budget 2025, spoke about his visits to several states to meet people on the ground.
Seeing and hearing about issues that affected them helped Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, draft the budget.
“I visited Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kelantan to see for myself the dilapidated condition of the market, which also has other issues involving the roof, toilets, electrical and water supplies as well as the threat of floods,” he had said before announcing the funding.
Since last November, RM1.5mil has been allocated to repair the market’s roof and concrete structure.
