THE newly constructed Taman Bagan Food Complex is 70% complete and on schedule, says Bagan Dalam assemblyman K. Kumaran.
Kumaran shared this when he visited the construction site of the food complex on Feb 24. Also joining him was Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Linggeswaran Charmar.
According to Kumaran, the project reflects his ongoing collaboration with MBSP to deliver modern, comfortable, and well-organised facilities for traders and the local community.
“With an allocation of RM2.72 million, the project which commenced on Feb 18 last year, is expected to be fully ready on Aug 17, with an implementation period of 18 months.
“I emphasised to the contractor and MBSP that this project must be completed on time, or even earlier if possible, so that the facility can be made available to the public immediately,” he said during a press conference following the visit.
Kumaran said the food complex will house 14 food stalls, complete with various facilities for visitors, including toilets specifically designed for the disabled (OKU) to ensure accessibility for all.
“The facility will also include 27 car parks, 20 motorcycle lots, and 2 designated OKU car parks, complemented by modern amenities such as electrical systems, lighting, fans, premix tiles, and safety fences, “ he added.
Apart from that, Kumaran said that once the food complex is completed, it will attract more market-goers to the nearby Taman Bagan Public Market.
“Market-goers usually prefer having a food complex near the public market, as it makes it convenient for them to shop and buy food at the same time.
“Upon the completion of the project, the existing hawkers near the Taman Bagan Public Market can be relocated here, providing them with a conducive environment and improving comfort for visitors,” he said.
Kumaran also shared that the additional food stall lots at the food complex will be made available to the public following MBSP’s usual licensing procedures, with priority given first to the hawkers at Taman Bagan.
He also thanked Linggeswaran, MBSP, the contractor, and all involved for ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.
Meanwhile, Linggeswaran provided an update on the upgrading works carried out at the Taman Bagan Public Market since 2025.
“Several upgrading projects were implemented at the market last year, including the refurbishment of public toilets and the installation of acrylic boards and safety grilles throughout the premises.
“In addition, ceiling panels were installed in the designated pork section of the wet market. The total allocation for all these works amounted to RM169,500.
“Planned projects for this year include repainting the entire market and installing customised concrete drain slabs throughout the premises,” he added.
On a separate matter, Kumaran said hawkers and traders at the Jetty Lama Public Market were given a grace period to relocate in view of the Chinese New Year, and now, with the fasting month and the upcoming Hari Raya celebration, they have been given until the second or third week of April to move to a nearby temporary site.
It is learned that the relocation is to give way to upgrading works at the market.
Kumaran also added that once the hawkers and traders are relocated, the upgrading work can commence in May.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of YB Kumaran’s office