FOOD vendors at the Padang Brown food complex welcomed the roof extension project by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
The construction works, which started on Oct 23, is expected to complete by March 14 next year.
Despite the encouragement to stay open during the construction period, several food vendors had decided to close until Oct 29 to make way for MBPP contractors to upgrade the section in front of their stalls.
MBPP councillor Benji Ang was quoted as saying that upgrading works would be conducted in stages.
“For now, the MBPP contractors will be working on the non-halal section. Subsequently, they will move on to other sections of the food complex,” Ang said.
Besides the roof extension, new fans and lights will also be installed.
Hawker Tho Tong Aun, 60, said he decided to close until Sunday (Oct 29) to enable the upgrading works in front of his stall to proceed without obstructions.
“We do not want our customers to suffer from construction debris and dust. Hence, a temporary shutdown is necessary,” he said.
Tho said customers need not worry as not all stalls are close.
“The stalls which are unaffected by the upgrading project remain open,” he remarked.
Similar comments were also shared by Sim Seng Teong, 65, a food vendor who was not affected by the construction works.
Meanwhile, Yong Tau Fu hawker Teoh Koo Eow, 52, said MBPP should also consider providing more parking lots at the food complex.
“Business at the food complex has been picking up after the Covid-19 pandemic but limited parking spaces have continued to deter customers from dining here,” said Teoh, whose family has been selling Yong Tau Fu for two generations.
He welcomed the council’s roof extension project.
Story and pix by Norman Sim