Sibu Central Market to undergo major renovation
SIBU: Sibu Central Market is set to undergo a major renovation costing RM3 million in February next year, said Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health Dr Annuar Rapaee.
He told reporters here the project is scheduled for completion in about 10 months’ time. He was at the market yesterday to check on its non-halal section.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to the central market in April this year had promised RM3 million allocation for its upgrading,” Dr Annuar, who is also Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister disclosed.
He said the renovation works will start immediately after the Chinese New Year celebration next year and added it is timely as the central market is a popular tourist attraction.
Sibu Central Market houses over 1,000 traders and is touted as the biggest indoor market in Malaysia.
Accompanying him during the visit were Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) engineer Abdul Rahman, Joseph Siew from its public health section and Sibu Hawker Welfare Association chairman Captain Tan Hong Kiang.
Dr Annuar said the nonhalal area (selling pork) will be partitioned using a glass panel and fully air conditioned.
He said there had been numerous requests from the public for the area to be covered for hygiene reasons and make it more pleasant looking as well as a show of respect for Muslim traders and customers at the market.
“Air conditioning will allow for better ventilation for traders
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to the central market in April this year had promised RM3 million allocation for its upgrading.
and customers alike.
“Besides that, the meat can be kept at room temperature to safeguard its quality, compared to the present open ventilation,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said there is also an air conditioning package for the pork section to suck in fresh air for better air circulation to keep out the smell.
He disclosed that the other components of facelift involved improvement of the food stalls.
“A centralised exhaust fan chimney will be installed to improve ventilation and the ceiling will also be covered to prevent it from gathering dust.
“We need this kind of infrastructure to attract more people to come to the market in future,” Abdul Rahman said.
Tender for the renovation works has been issued and will close soon.
On an unrelated matter, Dr Annuar who is Nangka assemblyman yesterday visited a number of people in his constituency.
Dr Annuar Rapaee, Assistant Minister of Housing and Public Health