Makeover for Padang Brown food court

Teh (fourth from right) says the city council has approved RM389,195 to upgrade the popular George Town food court.

ONE of Penang’s top hawker food haunts, Padang Brown Food Complex, is getting a major makeover.

Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said construction of roof extensions began on Oct 23.

State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had approved RM389,195 for this project, primarily to extend the roof, but also to instal new light bulbs and fans in the extended areas.

MBPP has placed safety netting to cover certain areas within the food court, which will continue operating.

The project is expected to be completed by March 14, 2024.

During a press conference, Teh said since its renovation in 2014, business at the food court had been booming.

The influx of customers from all over Penang and Malaysia had increased over the years, regardless of the time of the year.

“However, accommodating them has been a major problem.

“Many have been forced to sit in unshaded areas, leaving them vulnerable to the sun and rain.

“With the roof expansion, 54 food vendors will be able to accommodate more customers soon,” Teh said.

When asked about the potential impact of construction works, Teh encouraged food vendors to continue operating as the construction sites would be contained and safety ensured.

Benji Ang Ming Quan, a recently elected MBPP councillor who has been monitoring efforts for the roof extension, said work would be conducted in stages.

“For now, MBPP will work on the non-halal section and subsequently, they will move on to other sections of the food complex.”

Also present were MBPP architect Cho Ching Sin, Taman Trafik village community management council (MPKK) treasurer Teoh Shaw Jhee and several food vendors.