THE much-awaited Astaka Hillside Tanjung Bungah is expected to begin its operation on Oct 15.
Previously, the original Astaka Hillside Tanjung Bungah food court was ravaged by a fire in November 2020.
Subsequently, the Penang government announced plans for a new food court on the same site with an estimated cost of RM3.5 million.
The brand new Astaka Hillside Tanjung Bungah food court boosts an attractive design, multi-functional facilities and is disabled-friendly.
Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who is also the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, said the new food court already received a Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) in September this year.
“The tenants there are currently in the process of applying for utilities (water and electricity) for their shops.
“They now just waiting for the installation of water and electricity, which is expected to be carried out this week,” he told Buletin Mutiara when contacted today.
Meanwhile, one of the locals, Lim Pei Jun, 29, said she welcomed the news as she was one of the regular patrons previously.
“When it was still open, I used to enjoy ice kacang and other food like chicken rice there. It was very good back then.
“I hope when the food court reopens, the old tenant will be back so that I can still savour the same flavours once again.
“Thank you to the state government as well for constructing this improved food court compared to the old one,” she said.
As for another local, Alex Tan, 33, he cannot wait for the new food court to reopen.
“I hope the prices will be very affordable just like the old times so that many people will come to enjoy the variety of food.
“At the same time, I hope there will be some additional parking lots as the current parking area is limited.
“After all, more parking lots will prevent illegal parking in nearby residential areas,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat