Residents of Seberang Jaya and nearby areas in Butterworth can look forward to the opening of the long-awaited Seberang Jaya Market and Hawker Centre in December.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the RM19.5mil project was expected to receive its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) by the end of this month.

“Once the CCC is obtained, the facility will be handed over to the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for management,” he said during a site visit.

The new market complex, designed to meet Green Building Standards (GBS), will offer improved amenities such as trading stalls, parking spaces, and covered trading areas.

Chow said it would accommodate 263 stalls, with 239 allocated to original traders and 24 reserved for vendors who used to operate around the market vicinity.

To ensure a smooth transition, he said MBSP would conduct a stall allocation draw for the original traders soon.

Additionally, the developer has built a covered trading space with over 200 lots to accommodate more traders who previously operated outside the market, addressing feedback from stakeholders.

The new market complex will offer over 400 parking spaces, accessible facilities for people with disabilities, public restrooms and a prayer room, creating a more comfortable environment for both vendors and patrons.

Chow expressed hope that local traders would collaborate with the MBSP to effectively upkeep the public market.

He welcomed constructive suggestions to enhance the market experience for both vendors and customers, which in turn could boost business and increase vendors’ income.

The new market and hawker centre was developed on about five hectares of land owned by Penang Development Corporation.

It was funded by Zubicon Development Sdn Bhd through a cross-subsidy from their residential and commercial development profits.

Also present were local government committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, Zubicon Development Sdn Bhd director Lim Beng Keong and MBSP representatives.

Source: TheStar.com.my