The upgrading works have cooled the market and created a much better environment for business. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
Dining at the Bayan Baru Market complex in Penang is now a much cooler experience with the installation of giant industrial fans to beat the tropical heat.
Measuring between 5m and 7m in diameter, the large ceiling fans costing about RM230,000, have improved ventilation for both customers and traders.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said eight fans have been installed, with the ninth expected to be running by April.
“The first four fans were installed in 2023 for RM112,400.
“They dramatically cooled the market, creating a better environment that attracted more customers and boosted business,” Sim said during a visit to the complex.
“Encouraged by the response from traders, another four fans were added in 2025 at a cost of RM104,000.
“This year, I approved an additional unit for the hawker area costing RM20,000, which should be ready by April.”
Sim, who is also Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, added that the RM3.7mil phase two of the market’s upgrade was now complete.
The hawker complex in Bayan Baru Market with giant ceiling fans.
This phase focused on the vegetable and dried goods section.
He said the area was redesigned with improved drainage to keep the floors dry, addressing longstanding complaints of wet and slippery surfaces.
“Lanes have been widened and a proper drainage system installed to improve safety and foot traffic,” he said.
The overall makeover of the market, which has been in operation since 2000 and houses about 120 stalls, was carried out in phases.
Phase One, involving the fishmongers’ section, was completed in 2024 at a cost of about RM1.3mil.
Funding for the RM5mil project was a joint effort – Penang Island City Council (MBPP) contributed RM3.6mil, Housing and Local Government Ministry provided RM1mil and Sim allocated RM400,000 from his parliamentary funds.
Separately, Sim said RM372,200 was allocated in 2024 to instal 14 giant fans at several locations across his constituency.
He said this included eight giant fans for seven schools, four for other hawker centres and two for the Silver Jubilee Home in Sungai Dua.
Bayan Baru Hawker Complex chairman Roy Ang said the food court never had fans since it began operating about 30 years ago.
“Traders have seen a 15% increase in business since the fans were installed.
“Most of our customers come from nearby offices, especially during the lunch peak hour.
“Afternoons used to be hot and humid within the complex, which discouraged people from staying long.
“Now, customers are spending more time here and families can enjoy their meals in comfort,” he said.
