Looking great: Nga being briefed on the proposal for the Pasir Pinji wet market refurbishment. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: The Bukit Mertajam Supermarket in Penang, which burnt down in 2014, could be set for redevelopment, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming has hinted.
The ministry, he said, would be conducting a study on old markets in the country for upgrading or redeveloping works, with the priority to be given to premises with history or had been burnt down.
“There are some that have been burnt down and not redeveloped. The ministry has plans, but it will be on a case-by-case basis.
“I am planning to visit Penang after Chinese New Year. I will visit the Bukit Mertajam market, which was burnt down. I will go there to have a look and discuss it with our officers,” he said after visiting the Ipoh Central Market here yesterday.
Built in 1967 in Jalan Pasar, the two-storey Bukit Mertajam Supermarket was once the shopping hub and the oldest supermarket in the area, and its ground floor housed a wet market.
It was gutted in an early morning fire.
On another matter, Nga said the iconic Taiping Market, which is currently being renovated, would be recognised as a national heritage site.
He said the market, which was built in 1875, would be the first to be accorded the status, with renovations expected to be completed and the market reopened in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of Taiping as a heritage town next year.
The market, said Nga, had been given extra attention to maintain its unique features.
“It took some time to design the market. We cannot simply tear it down and rebuild.
“We need to find similar wood that was used back when it was first built,” he said, adding that the market would become a tourism product and a pride of Perak.
“Chengal wood was used so we will find the same wood to maintain its heritage value,” he said.
Work to renovate the Taiping Market reportedly started on Jan 21, 2021, at a cost of about RM9mil.
Nga also announced a RM2mil allocation for two projects here, including renovation and upgrading works at the Ipoh Central Market and the building of a temporary market for the Pasir Pinji wet market traders.
Upgrading works at the Ipoh Central Market would involve repairing damaged cables, retiling the floor, and fixing basic amenities.
“The current Pasir Pinji wet market was built more than 50 years ago and is now in a dilapidated state.
“It will be redeveloped into a self-sufficient market with solar panels, a rain harvesting system and basement parking area,” he said.
