THE plan by the Penang government to upgrade all the hawker centres (astaka) in the state is lauded by several assemblymen and a village community management council (MPKK).
Batu Lancang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong told Buletin Mutiara that it was a good initiative to look forward to.
“When I was a councillor of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) some years ago, the local authorities had allocated certain yearly funding to improve the ‘astaka’.
“The ‘astaka’ that have been upgraded in my constituency were Cecil Market food complex, Anson Road food complex and Batu Lancang food court.
“The upgraded premises have met the criteria and needs of the people, and they help to boost local tourism as well.
“At present, the Jalan Perak complex is awaiting to be upgraded,” he said.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said he hoped the Kampung Melayu hawker centre in his constituency can be upgraded.
“This ‘astaka’ has yet to be refurbished for quite a long time and I hope it can be prioritised.
“Air Itam is after all a popular tourist spot as many tourists come here for food and its scenery. Hence, this initiative will no doubt lift the place,” he added.
Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan called the council to establish a temporary hawker centre to house the roadside stalls in his constituency.
“It is important for us to address the cleanliness and hygiene issues,” he said.
Kumaresan also praised the state’s plan to upgrade the food courts and hawker centres.
Bukit Tambun Village Community Management Council (MPKK) chairman Chew Kean Nam said he appreciated the state’s plan to beautify the hawker centres.
“This can be one of the state’s tourism attractions in the future as local food haven has always been our main tourism product,” he said.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En and courtesy of interviewees