THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has principally agreed to fund the construction of a new public market here.
Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said former Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz had been highlighting the need to build a public market in Teluk Kumbar.
Chow explained that, initially, despite having identified a suitable lot within the Teluk Kumbar vicinity to build the market, several attempts to obtain the approval of MBPP had failed.
“It was because the cost to build the proposed market was high, which was estimated at RM20 million. The cost includes a public market and other features such as a hall and common facilities.
“So to continue having a market to cater to the needs of the people, a scaled-down version of the initial proposed market (without added facilities) has been suggested instead.
“If things go as planned, MBPP will appoint a contractor next year to move forward with the latest proposal.
“We hope to see good progress, and we look forward to the groundbreaking ceremony next year.
“We understand that currently the residents here, especially at Taman Sahabat, have to travel quite a distance to shop for wet and dry ingredients,” Chow said after visiting a coffee shop at Taman Sahabat in Teluk Kumbar today.
Azrul, a candidate from Pakatan Harapan (PH), is defending his Bayan Lepas seat for the first time.
Chow commended Azrul for his unwavering dedication to the welfare and concerns of his constituents.
“Azrul had always highlighted issues in the State Legislative Assemblies. I can tell that he was a very responsible assemblyman.
“Bayan Lepas has gone through several important developments in the past which directly affect the state’s economy,” Chow added.
Separately, with three days left to campaign, and as the competition gets tougher, Chow said PH and Barisan Nasional (BN) have to work even harder.
Later, Chow and team visited the JC Heng Soon Cafe in Teluk Kumbar, where he and Azrul greeted and chatted with the shop owner there.