THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has announced plans to continue upgrading public markets, food complexes, and MBPP-owned hawker sites in 2024, with 16 new and ongoing projects estimated to cost RM19.572 million.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran shared the news today during the launch of the new roof construction project at the Medan Renong Food Complex in Padang Kota.
He reaffirmed MBPP’s commitment to enhancing public markets, food complexes, and hawker sites in a systematic and continuous manner.
“In 2024, eight upgrading projects for markets and food complexes have either gone through the tender process or commenced, with three already completed. The total cost of implementing these projects is RM10.5 million.
“The council also engages in direct discussions with hawkers and representatives of local residents before and during the planning and implementation stages to ensure all feedback and perspectives are taken into account,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Tanjong MP and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, MBPP councillors Koay Gaik Kee, Benji Ang, Ooi Mei Mei, Shafiq Rahim Raja, Dr Suhairi Arumugam Abdullah, Padang Kota Service Centre director Ewe Chee Way, Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama Food Complex adviser and hawker Mohd Hussain, and chairman Asmadi Mohd Radzuki.
Of the 16 new and ongoing projects, MBPP has allocated RM8 million for the construction of Teluk Kumbar Market and Food Complex, RM2 million for upgrades to Bayan Baru Complex and Market, RM1.5 million for various works at Kampong Melayu Complex, and RM1.5 million for improvements at Taman Tun Sardon Complex.
On the Medan Renong Food Complex, Rajendran said MBPP has been upgrading it since 2022 to enhance comfort and cleanliness while giving the old complex a refreshed look.
Built in 1995 by MBPP, the complex houses 51 stalls, comprising 49 food and beverage stalls and two general stalls.
Two of the three planned upgrade phases have been completed.
The first phase, implemented from 22 December 2022 to 20 April 2023, involved the construction of new, durable, and improved tables and chairs at a cost of RM133,510.
The second phase, launched today by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, included significant enhancements to the halal section of the food complex. MBPP invested RM803,300 to instal a tensioned fabric canopy, roof lamps, fans, and replaced gutters.
This phase, which began on 15 May 2024, was completed on 14 October 2024.
Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman, highlighted Medan Renong’s iconic status as a popular destination for Penang’s renowned food culture.
“Penang is known as a food paradise. Medan Renong is an iconic food complex, famous in Penang and beyond. Following several upgrades at Padang Kota, we see thousands of visitors thronging this place every weekend to savour original Penang cuisine.
“This project costs over RM800,000. The next phase will commence next year with the installation of a new roof for the other section,” Chow said.
He noted the collaboration between the state government, MBPP, Georgetown Conservation Development Corporation, and Think City in implementing public upgrade projects like this.
“The Penang state government recognises hawkers as vital contributors to the state and nation’s economic growth. I hope hawkers will work hand in hand with the state government to improve their quality of life,” Chow added.
Chow also praised the Medan Renong Food Complex for being Penang’s first single-use plastic-free food complex since January 2024, urging hawkers to further enhance the cleanliness and the quality of their stalls.
Chow announced that Dewan Sri Pinang would undergo an RM52 million upgrade in 2025.
With Fort Cornwallis moat restoration set to be completed in mid-2025 and plans by the Penang Port Commission to upgrade the waterfront at Swettenham Pier, the Esplanade area is expected to become an even greater attraction, benefiting hawkers and traders.
Plans are also underway to extend a walking path from Medan Renong to Green Hall and possibly further.
MBPP plans to start the third phase of upgrades in June 2025. This phase, estimated to cost RM700,000, will include installing a new canopy roof for the non-halal section, lamps, fans, and replacing the complex’s signage and gutters.
Medan Renong Food Complex adviser and hawker Mohd Hussain expressed gratitude to the state government and MBPP for prioritising the welfare and needs of hawkers, ensuring the complex remains a thriving centre for Penang’s culinary heritage.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud