SANDAKAN: The Local Government and Housing Ministry (KKTP) has been urged to speed up the process of upgrading the Muhibbah Market site in Batu Dua, near here.
Elopura Assemblyman Calvin Chong said the government had provided the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) with an allocation of RM5 million for the construction of the new Muhibbah Market and the MPS had also identified a site for the construction of the market.
“The market is the focus of many due to its location, but it was built with only mud floors and rough stones in addition to being covered with a canopy bought by the traders themselves.
“This situation makes it difficult for traders and visitors to go to the market, especially during the rainy season because of stagnant water on the market floor. The traders also often bear losses because their canopies were damaged when strong winds blow,” he said.
Calvin also stated that the market was not supplied with clean water and there were no prayer halls and toilets available for the convenience of traders and visitors.
“According to the answer given by the KKTP during the meeting at the State Legislative Assembly recently, the MPS will carry out maintenance work only for the problem of stagnant water in Pasar Muhibbah. I really hope that the works can be done immediately to provide a comfortable site for traders and also visitors at Pasar Muhibbah,” said Calvin.
He added that he hoped with the approved allocation they would be able to carry out the construction of the new Muhibbah market immediately.
“I hope this upgrade process can be done immediately for the convenience and betterment of market traders and visitors and with the new market they will be able to do business more comfortably and not have to worry anymore because there will be many facilities provided,” he said.
Calvin also said that not only Muhibbah Market, but Kim Fung Market and Elopura Market needed to be improved.
“I hope that MPS would also repair the damages in the markets,” he said.
