TAWAU: Members of Persatuan Kraftangan Tawau operating their businesses at Pasar Tanjung Tawau are seeking the help of MP Datuk Christina Liew to be relocated to a permanent venue.
Previously, they were housed at the iconic Pasar Gantung (next to the town mosque), which was gutted by fire in 2017.
A nine-member delegation led by their Chairman Ofelia binti Sabaddin met with Liew at the Tawau Parliamentary People’s Service Centre on Wednesday.
According to Ofelia, the handicraft traders were moved to Pasar Tanjung Tawau on a temporary basis following the incident as the then government was supposed to have rebuilt Pasar Gantung.
Briefing the MP, she said they have been engaged in the handicraft business for almost three decades and that their souvenir stalls at Pasar Gantung were a popular destination for international and local tourists.
“We hope the government will consider our request for a new location where we can operate our businesses on a permanent basis. We believe it will become a tourist attraction as in the good old days,” said Ofelia.
The traders are selling a wide range of handicraft products imported from neighbouring countries, China and Hong Kong. Their merchandise also offers pearls, among other items.
Liew said she would bring the matter to the attention of the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) President Joseph Pang for the Council’s consideration.
Also present were Tawau Parliamentary Liaison Officers Robert Penggai and Putra Hj Andon.
