THE state government has entered the second round of its ‘Jelajah CM Chow’, with Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow leading a delegation to the Bayan Baru Market today to engage traders, hawkers and marketgoers.
Accompanying him were Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, state EXCO for Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Lim Siew Khim, state EXCO for Youth, Sports and Health Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, as well as councillors from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), including ‘Cikgu’ Chan Soon Aun, who was representing Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin.
Chow said the initiative, conducted either weekly or fortnightly, provides an avenue for state leaders, elected representatives, local authorities and councillors to connect with the community and hear their views firsthand.
He added that during his 10-year tenure as the state EXCO for local government, he had made it a point to visit various markets and food complexes as part of his responsibilities.
“It is crucial to go to the ground, meet the public and hear their feedback, which may differ from official views. As I have always said, after listening to their voices, we can make adjustments where necessary,” he said after a two-hour tour of the market and adjoining food complex.
“We will continue with this initiative. To date, we have covered more than 20 markets on the island under the jurisdiction of the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).”
Chow noted that traders selling meat and poultry are currently operating from a nearby temporary site while upgrading works are ongoing.
He said the state government understands the concerns of traders and will make every effort to minimise disruptions and ensure business continuity.
He added that the state would continue to allocate funds for the upgrading of markets and food courts, noting that inadequate facilities would place a burden on the public.
During the tour, Chow said issues such as garbage collection and clogged drains were raised, adding that these would be addressed by the council.
Sim, who is also the Penang DAP chairman, said the visit to the Bayan Baru Market was to assess the situation on the ground together with the chief minister, state assemblymen, representatives and councillors.
“We not only want to hear from traders and hawkers, but also customers. We have been visiting various markets over the past few months, and some have offered suggestions or made appeals,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat