THE Penang government is planning to upgrade the Perkampungan Berapit Food Court in Bukit Mertajam.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the upgrading project was crucial to revitalise the food court.
“The food court here is also located at a strategic place being near to popular recreational places, such as Cherok To’Kun Hill, Flower Fruit Hill and Mengkuang Dam.
“The food here is delicious. Thus, it has a strong potential to attract many visitors.
“Among the facilities that will be upgraded are lighting, ventilation system, wiring and others. It will cost about RM300,000.
“So, we will consider the renovation project proposed by Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee today.
“And we will come out with more details about the upgrading project soon. Rest assured, we want the best for the residents and hawkers here,” Chow told Buletin Mutiara during his visit to the Perkampungan Berapit Food Court in Bukit Mertajam today.
The visit to the food court also was part of Chow’s ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme in Bukit Mertajam today.
He was accompanied by Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong, Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon, Heng and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Chow and his team had so far visited eight parliamentary constituencies under the ‘Jelajah ❤️ Penang’ programme. The other seven parliamentary constituencies were Bukit Bendera, Tasek Gelugor, Kepala Batas, Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal, Balik Pulau and Bayan Baru.
Heng said the Perkampungan Berapit Food Court, which has been in operation since 1998, has 24 hawker stalls selling various food and drinks.
“This place is not only popular among the locals but also a popular rest area for hikers and bikers, especially during the weekends.
“That is why the upgrading project is needed to revitalise the place to attract more visitors.
“A history corner will also be set up at the market once the upgrading project is completed. It is to promote the heritage value of this food court since it is one of the oldest food courts in Berapit,” she said.
Earlier, Chow and his entourage also went for a one-hour hiking activity at a popular hiking spot at Kampung Besar in Berapit.
This hiking spot has been given two names by the locals; some call it ‘Flower Fruit Hill’ while others call it ‘Rainbow Hill’.
It is learnt that the hill derives its name from the rainbow colours that are painted on the flight of 328 steps up the hill. The rainbow stairs are a great spot for colourful photos.
There are also beautiful and unique handcrafted animal sculptures such as horses, tigers, giraffes, turtles and many more at the top of the hill.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar