The Local Government Development Ministry has given approval for RM650,000 to be allocated towards the construction of a temporary structure for morning market traders in Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor.
The plan is to build premises with toilets and other facilities for 100 traders who have been operating from makeshift canopies for over a decade, said Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Najmuddin Jemain.
During a full board meeting, Najmuddin announced that the allocation was approved by Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming after a visit to the market in July.
The discussion during the meeting mainly revolved around the best methods of upgrading the market. MPKj councillor Lim Kim Eng argued that constructing a temporary structure would be a waste of money, suggesting instead the construction of a permanent structure similar to Mahkota Sentral Pasar.
Lim estimated that a basic permanent structure would have a minimum cost of RM5 million, while a structure resembling Mahkota Sentral Pasar would cost up to RM20 million. She suggested that if the ministry cannot approve such a large amount, the project could be financed through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract, similar to what was done for Mahkota Sentral Pasar.
A BOT model involves a public-private partnership in which a private company is granted the concession to finance, build, and operate a project for a specified period.
Lim also expressed concerns about the limited parking space at the Sungai Long market, which often leads to arguments among motorists. She stated that a proper building with abundant parking space is necessary.
However, councillor Kwan Say Hong argued that a large-scale market is not suitable for Sungai Long, especially if it is built under the BOT model. He stated that Mahkota Sentral Pasar, located just 3km away from Sungai Long morning market, has many vacant lots for rent, and having two big markets in close proximity is unnecessary.
Kwan added that traders have reported that the monthly rental and utility payment for a lot in Mahkota Sentral Pasar is around RM700, which is deemed too expensive for them. On the other hand, traders at MPKj-run markets pay approximately RM150 a month. If subjected to high rental fees, traders would be compelled to raise the prices of goods, burdening consumers.
Sangeetha Chandra Mohan, another councillor, supported the idea of a temporary structure at the Sungai Long market as it would allow MPKj to relocate roadside traders to the site. She emphasized that the ministry’s allocation is intended solely for improving facilities for Sungai Long market traders.
Najmuddin mentioned that there are currently 100 traders at the morning market and an additional 50 in surrounding areas. He stated that he will present the feedback from the councillors to the ministry for their consideration.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
