The new hawker centre, now known as TPS Jalan Jelutong, is built at the site of the old centre that was destroyed in a fire on Jan 5. — Photos: KT GOH/The Star
STALL operators at the rebuilt Lorong Bukit Dumbar Hawker Centre in Jelutong, Penang, are happy with its new layout.
Zurina Zulkifli, 42, who has been operating her stall for the past 18 years, is excited to be back at her usual spot.
She sells local kuih, nasi lemak and other delights.
Zurina said the contractors had done a good job rebuilding the hawker centre, which is now renamed TPS Jalan Jelutong.
The higher roof, she said, made the place look spacious.
Some of the stalls have already started operating at TPS Jalan Jelutong, which was handed over to the hawkers on April 15.
“Before this, it was lower and our customers usually would have to drive by to check if we are open.
“Now they can spot us from afar.
“The ventilation is also better, and the place is brighter now.
“Previously, each of us would use our own lights. Now it’s uniformly lit and looks great,” she said during a visit to her stall.
On Jan 5, 16 stalls at the hawker centre were destroyed in an early morning fire.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) stated that the hawker centre sustained about 80% damage in the fire.
Zurina said her regular customers had returned after seeing her updates online.
Zurina, 42, says the new hawker centre is more spacious.She said she was grateful to be back running her stall.
“When the place burnt down, I was sad as this had been my livelihood for almost two decades.
“I managed to make money catering from home but being back here is best,” she said.
Hokkien mee stall operator Lee Boon Kai, 30, also said it was nice to be back at the same place.
“This place looks spacious now,” he said.
MBPP spent RM500,000 to rebuild the hawker centre.
Its mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the preliminary work and layout of the site involved the participation of surveyors, councillors, assemblymen and MPs.
“We have implemented the Green Building Concept with a roof height of 3.5m to increase air flow.
“We also use LED lights,” he said.
Social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the building works were completed ahead of schedule and the centre was handed over to the hawkers on April 15.
“Work was completed ahead of the original schedule.
“I hope all parties are pleased with the building,” she said.
