By Emily Ruran
KUCHING, Dec 13: A total of 728 pedestal seats at the Kenyalang Park Market have been replaced with new hot-dipped galvanised steel pedestals and 380-millimetre fibreglass seats under a RM105,640 upgrade completed by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS).
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the works were completed a week ahead of schedule, with the contractor handing over the site on Nov 27 following an inspection on Dec 11 that confirmed all stools were in good condition.
The project formed part of the council’s ‘Love Your Market’ initiative, which is part of its wider gastronomy agenda, aimed at improving comfort and hygiene at MBKS-managed markets.
“This has gone through a process of open tender and evaluation and selected the lowest of the bid, to show that the council is always transparent in selecting every tender.
“We upgrade the market in stages whenever funding becomes available. Sometimes we receive allocations during the year, sometimes towards year-end, and we pool these resources to carry out improvements,” he said when visiting the Kenyalang Park Market here today.
Wee said Kenyalang Park Market has served the community for over 30 years, and upgrades have been implemented progressively based on available annual allocations.
Recent improvements included a refurbished rear ramp for easier movement of goods, along with new fans and lighting throughout the hawker centre.
“These are among the works completed so far, and we hope everyone who comes here will now be more comfortably seated,” he added.
The project also included 30 priority seats with backrests for elderly users and those with mobility challenges, reflecting MBKS’ commitment to creating inclusive and age-friendly public spaces under the World Health Organisation’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
He said MBKS would continue upgrading the market in phases and appealed for public understanding as works depended on funding cycles.
“As long as we have the funds, we will continue to improve the facilities so that the public and hawkers benefit.
“We also want to encourage the public to come to the market and bring their children along. This is not only a place to buy groceries or enjoy the food, but a space that helps sustain the community as a whole,” he said. — DayakDaily
