RM650,000 to build Sg Long market

THE Local Government Development Ministry has approved RM650,000 for the construction of a temporary structure for morning market traders in Sungai Long, Kajang, Selangor.

Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Najmuddin Jemain said the plan was to build premises equipped with toilets and other facilities for 100 traders who had been trading from makeshift canopies for over a decade.

During a full board meeting, Najmuddin said Local Govern-ment Development Minister Nga Kor Ming approved the allocation following a visit to the market in July.

When the matter was raised at the meeting, a heated discussion on best ways to upgrade the market took place among councillors.

MPKj councillor Lim Kim Eng said a temporary structure was a waste of money and suggested a permanent structure instead, similar to Mahkota Sentral Pasar.

She said a basic permanent structure would cost a minimum of RM5mil while a structure like Mahkota Sentral Pasar would cost up to RM20mil.

“If the ministry cannot approve such a large amount, the project can be financed via a build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract, similar to that done for Mahkota Sentral Pasar,” she said.

A BOT model is a public- private partnership where a private company is given the concession to finance, build and run a project for a specified period.

Lim added that parking space at the Sungai Long market was limited, often resulting in arguments among motorists.

“A proper building with plenty of parking space is needed,” she said.

However, councillor Kwan Say Hong said a large-scale market was not suitable for Sungai Long especially if built on a BOT model.

“Mahkota Sentral Pasar, which is only 3km away from Sungai Long morning market, has many vacant lots for rent,” he said.

He added that it was not necessary for two big markets to be located so close to each other.

“Traders say the monthly rental and utility payment for a lot in Mahkota Sentral Pasar is about RM700 a month and it is too much for them.

“Traders at MPKj-run markets pay only about RM150 a month,” said Kwan.

He said if traders were hit with high rental, then they would be forced to mark up the price of goods, which would burden consumers.

“We should learn from the problems faced by traders at Mahkota Sentral Pasar.

“A non-permanent structure at the Sungai Long morning market is the best option for now.

“It will make the area more comfortable for traders and shoppers alike,” he added.

Councillor Sangeetha Chandra Mohan said the temporary structure at the Sungai Long market was a good idea because MPKj could relocate roadside traders to the site.

“The ministry’s allocation is for improving facilities for Sungai Long market traders and it should be used for its intended purpose only,” she said.

Najmuddin added that there were 100 traders at the morning market and 50 more in surrounding areas.

“I will include councillors’ feedback for the ministry’s consideration,” he said.