THE Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone will soon have its very own hawker site, which will see the local community, especially those who have suffered unemployment in recent times, set up businesses there.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said a company would build the hawker facility at the Bayan Lepas FIZ area.
Although a specific work commencement date was not mentioned, Chow hinted that it would happen in near future.
“The Penang government understands the plight that many are going through amid this Covid-19 pandemic.
“That is why PDC will see to the building of a hawker site in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone to help those in need of employment or who want to set up businesses,” Chow said in a reply to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution (PH-Pantai Jerejak) during the opening day of the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Chow also said there would be two more sites to be built as hawker centres to provide more business opportunities and to provide easy access to food for employees around the Bayan Lepas FIZ area.
Saifuddin had earlier asked if several small-sized lands (tanah reja) that are vacant under the supervision of PDC, mainly in Lintang Macallum 1 in George Town and Bayan Baru, could be given to the local community to operate businesses.
“To rent in malls is just too expensive for the people, and to apply for a license under both local councils, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) is going to take such a long process.
“Therefore, can PDC and the state government consider any other alternatives for those in dire need of sustaining their livelihoods?” Saifuddin asked.
In response, Chow (PH-Padang Kota) said the small-sized land in Lintang Macallum 1 is involved under the non-Islamic places of worship (RIBI) programme, and as for the one in Bayan Baru, PDC and the state government will be open for consideration.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad