KK Central Market to be refurbished – MP
The Kota Kinabalu Central Market may be refurbished and beau fied this year in an effort to unlock its true tourism poten al, said Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin.
KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu Central Market may be refurbished and beautified in 2019 in an effort to unlock its true tourism potential, said Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin.
“My vision is to cooperate with City Hall to refurbish the market. The market should not only serve its basic purpose to the hawkers and the public but it should serve as a landmark for tourists.
“Every major city in the world has its own unique market that could be used for tourism, such as the Queen Victoria Market in Australia. The Kota Kinabalu Central Market has the same potential,” Chan told reporters when met during his walkabout at the market on Friday.
Chan opined that the KK Central Market (or more commonly known as Pasar Besar for locals here) has a beautiful sea view, which could be used as a tool to attract more tourists, especially those from China.
However, he said that the proposal was still in the planning process and that he was still waiting for his allocation as the Kota Kinabalu MP for 2019.
Thus, he could not disclose any further information on his plan.
“We will give the market a new look,” he added.
He said that the refurbishment would also depend on City Hall, as the latter also had a special allocation for such developments.
Among the plans that he has for the market are to refurbish its fan system and to add a ‘shining' signboard for the market, so that it will be more visible and beautiful at night.
Separately, Chan expressed his gratitude towards the newlyappointed Mayor Datuk Nordin Siman for the City Hall's decision to defer the kaki lima (sidewalk spaces) rental fee hike.
Chan said that the announcement served as a big New Year's gift for the people.
On the smoking ban issue, Chan said that the people should not worry so much as there would not be any compounds issued in the first six months as the ban was still in the ‘education' period.
He clarified that the State Government had never wanted to reject the Federal Government directive; the former only wanted to ensure that the State Enactment would be in line with the said directive.
Also present was Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt.
During the walkabout, both Chan and Tan presented calendars and mandarin oranges to the hawkers and patrons of the market.