SIBU, June 30: The once deserted Sungai Merah Heritage Walk has come alive following the temporary relocation of 18 hawkers from the old Sungai Merah market.
The hawkers had moved to the site on Monday and started business today.
They will be there until a new market at the old site in Sungai Merah bazaar is completed in 18 months’ time.
Speaking to reporters at the opening of the market, Sibu Municipal Council’s Market and Petty Traders committee chairman, Councillor Albert Tiang said he had received positive feedback from the hawkers.
“Business at this temporary site is overwhelming. An F&B hawker told me that he does not even have time to rest,” he said.
Tiang said whenever the council relocates hawkers to a temporarily place, the hawkers would be worried that it would affect their business.
“Before we move them to a temporary site, we will take into consideration the environment, the traffic flow and parking spaces first so that their business will not be affected,” he said.
He added that an added bonus for eatery stalls is that they could now operate at night as they had never done so at their old place.
“The F&B stalls can now open at night. We also allow them to display tables and chairs along the walkways for customers to sit,” he added.
As for the new market, he said work will be completed in 18 months’ time.
“It will be a double-story market costing RM4.55 million. We will increase the number of stalls by about 10 from the existing 18,” he said. — DayakDaily
