BATU Lanchang Public Market has been selected to represent Penang in the 2026 Local Authority (PBT) Clean Public Market Campaign, with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) aiming to raise the market’s cleanliness rating from Grade B to Grade A through a series of improvement works and community-driven initiatives.
Launching the campaign today, MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the market was chosen by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to participate in the nationwide campaign, which seeks to strengthen awareness and collective commitment towards maintaining clean and safe public markets.
“Batu Lanchang Public Market has been selected to represent Penang in the 2026 Local Authority Clean Public Market Campaign organised by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
“I would like to express my highest appreciation to KPKT for selecting this public market to participate in this year’s campaign. The campaign is aimed at strengthening awareness and our shared commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and safety of public markets, particularly at the local authority level,” he said during the campaign launch at Batu Lanchang Public Market.
Rajendran said the campaign’s objectives are to improve the cleanliness of local authority public markets with the target of achieving a Grade A rating, strengthen the commitment of local authorities, traders’ associations and traders in maintaining market cleanliness and safety, enhance the involvement of local authority management and community leaders, raise public awareness on the importance of clean public markets, and recognise outstanding local authorities to encourage healthy competition and continuous improvement.
He said Batu Lanchang Public Market was nominated by MBPP due to the active participation of traders and visitors in supporting initiatives introduced by the Penang government and MBPP, while also recognising that there is room for further improvement in several aspects of market cleanliness and management.
Operating daily from noon until 6pm, the market houses 241 stalls offering a wide range of products, including fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, meat, groceries, flowers and other daily essentials. It is also equipped with public amenities such as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a recycling station and an electric vehicle charging station.
Rajendran revealed that an initial inspection and grading exercise conducted by MBPP’s Licensing Department on July 14 this year awarded the market a Grade B with a score of 74.45 per cent.
“KPKT has allocated RM10,000 for the implementation of this clean market campaign, which runs from April until July 2026.
“Following the assessment, MBPP, through its Licensing Department, has undertaken several improvement measures, including repainting faded sections of the market building, installing loading bay signage, directional signs to public toilets, notice boards for public information, repairing damaged speed bumps and flooring within the market, as well as establishing a recycling collection centre,” he said.
He added that MBPP’s Licensing Department, together with the Municipal Services Department, Environmental Health Department and market traders, also organised a gotong-royong programme on July 14 to clean the market surroundings.
“I would like to record my highest appreciation and gratitude to all parties who have demonstrated commitment and cooperation in making the gotong-royong programme a success,” he said.
Rajendran also disclosed that MBPP has spent RM183,196.13 on minor maintenance works at Batu Lanchang Public Market from 2024 until the present, comprising RM58,317.47 in 2024, RM59,635.85 in 2025 and RM65,242.81 so far this year.
Meanwhile, Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong said Batu Lanchang Public Market is more than just a trading hub, describing it as an important community asset that supports the local economy and fulfils the daily needs of residents.
“With its wide variety of products, including fresh produce, agricultural goods, food and daily necessities, as well as its afternoon operating hours from 12pm to 6pm, the market offers convenience, especially for those who work during the day.
“This has made Batu Lanchang Public Market a preferred destination for residents in Batu Lanchang, Jelutong and nearby areas,” he said.
Ong stressed that maintaining cleanliness in public markets is a shared responsibility in line with the Penang2030 vision of creating a smart, green and family-focused state.
“Clean, safe and well-managed public markets are essential in creating a sustainable, high-quality and liveable urban environment.
“The cleanliness of public markets is not only important for public health but also reflects society’s concern for environmental sustainability and the quality of life.
“A clean public market ensures food safety and quality, helps prevent the spread of diseases, reduces pollution and creates a more comfortable and conducive environment for both traders and visitors,” he said.
He added that MBPP will continue providing facilities and carrying out monitoring efforts, while traders and visitors should play their part by practising good hygiene, managing waste responsibly and complying with regulations.
“Only through the cooperation of all parties can we ensure that our public markets remain clean, safe, healthy and continue to be the preferred choice of the community,” he said.
Ong also welcomed KPKT’s RM10,000 allocation for the campaign, saying it reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering local authorities in improving the cleanliness, management and maintenance of public markets.
He expressed hope that the campaign would cultivate lasting cleanliness practices while increasing awareness and shared responsibility among traders, visitors and other stakeholders.
Congratulating MBPP’s Licensing Department for organising the campaign, Ong urged traders to continue maintaining high standards of cleanliness at their stalls and business premises while complying with all licensing requirements, including regulations related to cleanliness and safety.