THE Federal Government, through the Local Government Development Ministry, has recently announced an allocation of RM24 million for the redevelopment project of the Bukit Mertajam Market.
It was also announced by its minister, Nga Kor Ming, that the construction works of the Bukit Mertajam Market are expected to begin this year and are due for completion in 2026.
The Bukit Mertajam Market project is divided into five components – the redevelopment of the marketplace at RM8 million, the multi-storey car park (RM8.5 million), the infrastructure upgrade (RM5 million), the temporary marketplace (RM500,000) and the Bukit Mertajam creative centre (RM1 million).
Following the announcement, Buletin Mutiara spoke with some of the traders and hawkers at the market. Below are their views:
Fong Wei Lung (55, vegetable seller):
“I would like to thank the Federal Government for such good news.
“This will certainly bring a huge relief to all of us here as this market is usually very crowded in the morning.
“Once completed, the Bukit Mertajam Market will surely become the new icon in Bukit Mertajam.”
Cheah Wei Kian (45, meat seller):
“I am very happy when I heard about it from a friend.
“I mean it has been a very long time since the old market has been in a dilapidated condition after a fire broke out.
“Hopefully, the redevelopment project of the market could be completed within the stipulated timeline.”
Che Zarina Abdullah (48, fruit seller):
“The project is a dream come true for all of us here, including those residing near Bukit Mertajam.
“After waiting for so long, this is the moment that we all have been waiting for.
“With a bigger market, it will be easier for market-goers to do their groceries here.
“And it will be easier for us as well to conduct our business in a spacious place.”
Lim Yong Seng (44, fishmonger):
“The announcement came at the right time considering we have been operating at the temporary market for quite some time.
“After all, this is the only public market that is located in the centre of Bukit Mertajam and it is very crowded and busy in the morning.
“So, with the new market, it will not only benefit the locals here but also can breathe new life into this place and turn it into a tourist attraction.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar