THE OVERDUE redevelopment of Pasar Datuk Keramat in Kuala Lumpur is set to begin in the first quarter of this year, says Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) said she has tasked Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to expedite a census to finalise the number of traders within the next two weeks.
“This is to ensure planning and subsequent actions can commence as early as the first quarter of this year to prevent further delays.
“I want to see Pasar Datuk Keramat transformed into a more comfortable, clean and safe market, equipped with modern facilities for the well-being of all while simultaneously increasing traders’ income,” she said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 5).
Dr Zaliha, who visited the market on Wednesday, said the redevelopment issue was a longstanding one that must be resolved urgently and could no longer be delayed.
“In 2025, JWP (Federal Territories Department) and I set the redevelopment plan as top priority.
“In this case, I believe redevelopment is the best course of action to ensure the market becomes safer and more conducive for everyone.
“The redevelopment of this market can be carried out systematically and in phases, taking into account the importance of existing business activities so they are not disrupted.”
Dr Zaliha added that after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to the market last July, several quick-win measures had been implemented, such as upgrading the toilets and repairing the electrical wiring.
There were growing concerns about the market building’s age and deterioration, she said, as it was nearing 50 years old and posed significant safety risks to traders and visitors.
A past fire incident had only added to those concerns, she said.
It was reported last year that the issue involving the previous contractor responsible for redeveloping Pasar Datuk Keramat had been resolved and the project had been returned to DBKL.
It stated that although a developer had committed to redeveloping the market, no progress had been made even after six years.
