Lim, seen standing inside Pasar Jinjang Utara, says under the proposal, the existing market would be demolished.
PASAR Jinjang Utara market traders have been urged to support the redevelopment of the decades-old wet market by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng said a complete rebuild is the best option as the market is currently under-utilised, as only 40 traders are operating inside the building.
“Many traders operate outside the market, as such the inside is almost empty,” said Lim.
He said that the poor ventilation and deteriorating infrastructure of the current market no longer supported safe or efficient operations.
Lim was speaking on the sidelines of DBKL’s first engagement session on the redevelopment plan which was attended by about 100 traders.
Under the proposal, over 200 traders operating in and around Pasar Jinjang Utara will be relocated to a yet to be built temporary market so the current one can be demolished to make way for a modern facility.
“A simple touch-up may last a year or two, but the problems will return.
“A full rebuild is meant to serve traders for the next 20 or 30 years,” said Lim.
A vegetable trader, who only wanted to be identified as Wong, said she supported the idea of redevelopment.
“It’s good that DBKL wants to improve the market and I’m willing to move to the temporary site, but I’m also worried about what happens after that.
“If the new market does not go ahead for any reason, I will be stuck trading in a place that is not ideal.
“During the move, our income will definitely be affected too because customers may not be aware of the new location.”
DBKL Licensing Department assistant director Muhammad Izzat Haziq Hairuddin said a tender would be called in January and construction of the temporary market was expected to begin in March next year.
“Our target is for traders to move to the temporary site in September.”
The temporary market would feature 200 stalls measuring 1.82m x 2.13m with covered walkways, toilets, washing areas and a rubbish room.
Izzat said the temporary site was expected to cost between RM2mil and RM3mil.
He added that traders moving there would be required to apply for new licences.
“There will also be charges for maintenance, security and cleaning.
“If traders want fee exemptions or discounts, they must submit formal requests to DBKL.”
Project Implementation and Building Maintenance Department deputy director (architect) Afifah Mohd Adam said the temporary market would be located about 250m away, on the former DBKL enforcement storage depot site near the Jinjang post office.
On the new permanent market, Afifah said the specifications would follow the Housing and Local Government Ministry’s guidelines for modern markets.
“The design for the new market has not been finalised.
“When the design is ready, we will return to brief traders before construction begins.”
The upgrade would be funded under the Federal Government’s RM200mil Lestari Niaga Programme announced in Budget 2026.
Lim said the new market would cost RM30mil and the funds had been allocated.
“I will ask DBKL to prepare a secret ballot so everyone can vote freely.”
Lim said a second engagement session would be held before Chinese New Year.
