Bee Eng says there are at least two generations of customers patronising his vegetable stall at the Permatang Sintok public market in Penaga. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
THE area of Bertam – about 2km from the heart of Kepala Batas – has significantly changed over the years.
It is now a place of bustling businesses ranging from restaurants serving local delicacies to shops trading in fashion items. There are also budget hotels and mini markets.
This predominantly Malay enclave is frequented by families in the evenings for shopping, leisure and food. At least 80% of the Malay community live and work here.
Kepala Batas, which has developed into a lively town, is considered a secure bastion for Barisan Nasional.
The parliamentary constituency encompasses Bertam, Penaga and Pinang Tunggal.
The Chinese represent 15.35% while the Indians, 4.17%.
The Chinese businesses in town are well patronised by Malay customers.
Poh Seng is thankful to customers who have been supporting his business for years.
“I have been doing business here for more than 20 years with my father,” said market trader Tan Poh Seng, 40, at the Permatang Sintok public market in Penaga.
“Many customers are Malay families and business owners who buy vegetables and essential food products from me.
“Business has been slow since the Covid-19 pandemic but I am thankful to my Malay customers who have been supporting me for years.”
Poh Seng’s father, Tan Bee Eng, 70, said there were at least two generations of customers, be it individuals or businesses who had been purchasing products from the family for many years.
“Every year, we see brisk business during the Hari Raya period where mini markets and Malay restaurants purchase dry foods such as onions, potatoes and other products in bulk from us,” said Bee Eng.
In town, coffeeshop owner Lim Mei Chee, 40, said the Chinese enclave was a more quiet area compared to Bertam, but “people are happy with the way it is, since the time of former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who used to make his rounds whenever he was in town.”
Traditional medicine shop owner Teoh Guat Gin, 55, said Kepala Batas incumbent MP Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican had brought much development to the constituency with new roads and buildings.
“Many new housing projects have also started in the Bertam area,” said Teoh.
Reezal is squaring off against two newcomers – Pejuang’s Hamidi Abu Hassan and Muda’s Daniel Abdul Majeed – as well as Perikatan Nasional’s Siti Mastura Muhammad (PAS), who also stood in 2018.
