BAYAN LEPAS: In a bid to ease traffic congestion and create a more conducive business environment in the area, Koperasi Tunas Muda Sungai Ara and Ideal Property Group have built a new Sungai Ara Golden Triangle Market Complex.
The complex situated near Lintang Sungai Ara 12 is a RM27 million project that began mid-2015 and was completed in December last year.
Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said that a number of traders have set up roadside stalls near Relau and Sungai Ara, which had led to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
“We hope that with the new market, the traders are willing to come and conduct their business here instead,” he said in his speech at the handover event today.
The market has obtained Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) and was handed over to the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) today as well.
The market has a total of 44 stalls for both dry and wet goods apart from hawker centre where 25 stalls can accommodate the hawkers.
To cater for the community in the area, the hawker centre offers 19 halal stalls and six non-halal stalls.
The two-storey building also comes equipped with two cold storage facility for the hawkers, the first ever for a market in Penang.
The top floor is a multi-purpose community hall with three badminton courts.
Chow said that MBPP is in the midst of identifying the eligible and suitable traders to be allowed to set up their business there.
“They will begin their business in the next three months,” he added.
Green features have also been implemented during construction to minimise the use of energy, which includes natural lighting and high ceiling for good indoor ventilation.
Present during the event were Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and MBPP Mayor Datuk Patahiyah Ismail.