RM1mil upgrade for Cecil St market, hawker site

Old canvas coverings will be replaced with new roofed structures and awnings at the Cecil Street market and hawker centre. — Courtesy photos

A RM1MIL upgrading project is set to transform the Cecil Street market and hawker centre in Penang, providing the 300 traders and their customers with a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng said the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) would submit the fund application to Housing and Local Government Ministry by early next year.

He said the city council was now preparing the necessary documents, adding that the RM1mil allocation was announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming during his recent official visit to Penang.

“The planned upgrades will include a new roofed structure with an awning and an improved ventilation system.

“These enhancements aim to create a more inviting and comfortable environment for the 300 traders here and the shoppers.

“The market will be more visually appealing after this,” Wong was quoted by Buletin Mutiara during a visit to the market.

Besides the market upgrades, he said MBPP was in the midst of upgrading the public toilets at Cecil Street Market.

He said these upgrades would incorporate smart and green features, making it the first smart public toilet in Penang upon completion.

“The new toilet will be significantly more spacious, expanding from two cubicles to six, making it three times larger.

“We made this enhancement in response to complaints about the insufficient facilities.

“The upgraded toilet will feature a baby changing room and a separate space for people with disabilities.

“The project is expected to be ready in early February,” said Wong.

He added that despite no rental fees being imposed on the traders, both the Penang government and the Federal Government were committed to improving the market’s facilities.