Women entrepreneurs’ hub part of Kuala Terengganu redevelopment plan

KUALA TERENGGANU: The opening of the RM13.9 million Pasarnita Tanjung is part of a multi-million-ringgit redevelopment plan that will transform the city into an international-class tourism and trade hub in time for Visit Beautiful Terengganu Year 2017.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman said the new facility, established for women entrepreneurs, would boost business from the Chinatown enclave of Kampung Cina to Pasar Besar Payang, Bukit Puteri, Shahbandar Jetty and Dataran Shahbandar and towards Primula Beach Hotel.

“The 5km stretch is undergoing a massive transformation from a traditional village and pre-war zone into an ultra modern area that will have infrastructure for shopping, modern eateries that include a large seafood restaurant, land and sea transport and new hotels.

“We will also shift the KT Walk night bazaar on Fridays from the city centre to this area, which will have a night market complex.

“This will modernise Kuala Terengganu in two to three years,” he said at the launch of Pasarnita Tanjung.

Present were Prime Minister’s Department Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development adviser Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil and state Health, Women’s Development, Family and Community Committee chairman Roslee Daud.

Pasarnita Tanjung offers slots for 80 women entrepreneurs on a rotation basis of three days each.

The facility has 34 permanent shops and additional outdoor space for 101 petty traders.

“If it is a success, we will expand the facility for more women entrepreneurs as there is still space,” said Razif.

He said the old Bazaar Warisan, managed by Amber Resources, would make way for an international-class restaurant, food court and budget hotel.

Plans include a scenic coastal road from Taman Tamadun Islam in Pulau Warisan to connect to the state museum, Chinatown esplanade to Shahbandar Jetty to boost business.

“This scenic road can be an additional attraction for the monthly tourism programmes and festivals that will pass through the road, turning Kuala Terengganu into a tourist hot spot,” said Razif.

Shahrizat said the Pasarnita concept would be expanded to other states to offer women more business opportunities.