PENANG is set to be an exemplary model to other public markets in the country once the Bukit Mertajam Market completes its refurbishment in two years.
Describing the initiative as a pilot project, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming lauded the collaboration between the Penang government, the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), and the Malaysian Architects Association (PAM). They are jointly organising a competition to find a new design for the market.
“I envision the iconic Bukit Mertajam Market evolving into the latest tourist spot on Penang mainland by the time it is completed in 2026.
“By 2026, the completion is also timely with the Visit Malaysia Year, which is expected to attract an influx of tourists to the country. The refurbished market can be one of the attractions for tourists once the refurbishment is finalised.
“We foresee that 2.1 billion foreign tourists will visit the country in the next two years. Hence, we need the fullest commitment from the relevant agencies to ensure the market’s upgrading works are completed in the stipulated time.
“I believe MBSP, under the leadership of its mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, can deliver the project on time. The allocated two years should be adequate for comprehensive refurbishment,” said Nga after attending the prize-giving ceremony of the PAM-MBSP Architectural Design Ideas Competition for the market at MBSP headquarters today.
A total of RM110 million has been allocated for the markets’ upgrading purposes in the country, according to Nga.
Nga also said the ministry would not hesitate to expand the architectural design ideas competition to the People’s Housing Project (PPR) in the country.
“We hope the quality of our PPR units is as good as our neighbouring country. Therefore, we need the support from other relevant agencies to ensure this initiative materialises,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nga expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for allocating RM150 million meant for BMW (bersih, menawan, wangi – clean, captivating, fragrant) public toilets nationwide.
Earlier, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng was glad that the PAM-MBSP Architectural Design Ideas Competition has attracted 95 professionals.
“This competition is our initiative to gather public perspective on the design of the amenities,” he concluded.
Among those present were state Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi, Azhar, PAM president Abu Zarim Abu Bakar and MBSP councillors.
The top three winners of the competition are as follows:
Champion – Beta Architects (RM35,000 + Participating Certificate)
1st Runners Up – BYG Architecture Sdn Bhd (RM25,000 + Participating Certificate)
2nd Runners Up – KSEEK Architects Sdn Bhd (RM15,000 + Participating Certificate)
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis