Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is upgrading two food courts in its jurisdiction to improve the ageing facilities.
Facelifts are underway at Medan Selera Lama Taman Melawati in Ampang Jaya and Medan Selera AU5 in Taman Lembah Keramat, Selangor.
Both facilities are part of the council’s upgrading programme this year.
MPAJ said RM1.205mil was allocated for the Taman Melawati project which was expected to be completed by Sept 10.
Parts of the old structure, including the zinc roofs, have been demolished to make way for the new food court.
Regular customers said it was high time the food court was upgraded into a cleaner and more comfortable space for traders and patrons.
“The food was good and cheap, but the lack of maintenance and unhygienic conditions could be off-putting.
“It is ideal that it is finally being upgraded,” said Taman Melawati resident Abdul Ashraff Abdul Manaf, 71.
His friend Muhamad Hilman Hanif, 67, said the upgrade would likely attract a new crowd while improving comfort for regulars.
“It has always been a convenient spot, but the condition of the place made it less appealing over time.
“With better facilities, I think more people will return and even new customers will come,” he said, adding that he hoped the previous traders would return post-upgrade.
MPAJ in a statement said a total of 15 traders were affected by the works, and had been temporarily relocated to nearby Bazar Melawati and Medan Selera Anjung Melawati.
“They have been relocated to ensure business continuity throughout the implementation period,” MPAJ said.
The council said the Taman Melawati site was prioritised based on technical and physical assessments.
“The building is ageing and no longer meets current requirements in terms of comfort, safety and overall environmental image.”
Among the upgrading works planned are roof repairs, improvements to public toilets and surau facilities, vehicle parking as well as enhancements to dining areas.
Landscaping elements will also be introduced to improve the overall environment.
MPAJ said the upgrading at Medan Selera AU5 was estimated to cost RM3.5mil, funded by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, subject to detailed technical requirements.
MPAJ added that rental rates and tenancy conditions would be reviewed following the completion of the upgrades.
“In line with the more modern and conducive amenities provided, MPAJ will implement a restructuring of rental rates and improvements to tenancy conditions to ensure more sustainable and transparent management, while continuing to support the local entrepreneurial economy.”
StarMetro previously reported that MPAJ allocated up to RM10mil over the next three to five years to improve infrastructure as well as enhance cleanliness and safety at its food courts.
