Api Api Night Food Market to expand next year

A con nued overwhelming response from local traders will see the expansion of the Api Api Night Food Market next year, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Chris na Liew.

KOTA KINABALU: A continued overwhelming response from wannabe vendors will see the expansion of the Api Api Night Food Market next year, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

Christina said that according to the Kota Kinabalu Mayor, the number of vendors was currently limited to 100 by Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), and 99 per cent of them were from Sabah.

“If the response in the next two weeks is still better and better, especially after January when we expect many tourists coming in, then we will be thinking about doing another night market.

“I have already identified the place near to the (current) Api Api (Night Food Market).

“We will do another one to stimulate the economy for the local vendors. 99 per cent are locals, small vendors but means a lot to them,” said Christina after officiating at the Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Associations (Swepa) BizCarnival 2018 at Wisma Wanita here yesterday.

Christina, also Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, revealed this after the press confronted her about the Gaya Street shop owners’ complaints claiming that they had lost business due to the early closing of streets and business of the Api Api Night Food Market.

“Negative responses are expected but I hope they understand the purpose of this,” said Christina, adding that the tourism attraction spot was created for tourists of Kota Kinabalu City.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the ministry would look into immediately solving the parking issues and creating a unique experience at the Api Api Night Food Market eventually.

“We welcome comments and we will study them. We would like to enhance the attractiveness of the area, no issue about that. Because we want to limit it to local things, give them time and space to develop into something special. As long as they don’t violate the regulation of DBKK, they are free to do,” she said.

“I would like to enhance the Api Api walkway, the lighting. I think we make it very attractive lighting so it looks very special. If you go to Taiwan, Taipei, Shanghai, they have got miles of these walking night time and their lighting is fantastic and they have special lighting and securities. All of these have to be enhanced. Security must be enhanced there,” said Christina, reiterating that these things take time to develop.

Meanwhile, Christina said she would meet with the Museum director to address visitors’ complaints regarding the poor state of traditional homes at the Sabah State Museum Heritage Village.