THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) wants to maximise the usage of public market spaces, says MBPP hawker and market management sub-committee chairman Alan Lim Wei Lun.
He said they are calling for a ‘Request For Ideas’ (RFI) from the public to utilise whatever available spaces at the 28 markets across the island in view of the challenging times brought about by Covid-19 pandemic.
“Unemployment rate is high during this Covid-19 period, more than 3%. There are job losses in the manufacturing sector and the food and beverage sector.
“But do not despair. Present your constructive ideas to us (MBPP) on how we can maximise the market spaces. We will consider their feasibility and if they are good, we will implement them for the benefit of the Penang people.
“We may never know. Some ideas may be out of the box. And MBPP has also decided to do away with deadline set earlier for the RFI,” Lim told a press conference at Chowrasta Market today.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, MBPP licensing committee members Nicholas Theng Jie Wey, Wong Yuee Harng and Connie Tan.
Teh cited Chowrasta Market where some kind of activity could be held after marketing hours since MBPP had already installed a canopy there.
Those who want to relay their ideas to MBPP can email [email protected] or call 04-2638818.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting