Bintawa Hawker Centre receives long-awaited facelift after 20 years

Wee (front row, fifth left) receives the Bintawa Hawker Centre from the contractor's representative at the site on Oct 30, 2024.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 30: After two decades of wear and tear, the iconic Bintawa Hawker Centre has finally received a long-awaited facelift, reviving the popular food destination for both locals and visitors.

Known for its vibrant food stalls and rich culinary heritage, the center was overdue for renovations that would match its reputation as one of Kuching’s beloved culinary hubs.

The comparison photo of before (left) and after of Bintawa Hawker Centre.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the project, tendered at RM988,016.70, and supplemented by RM300,000 from the Council for additional components, includes the replacement of roofs, ceilings, drainage, drain covers and structural work for both the Bintawa Hawker Centre and Bintawa Wet Market (located next to one another).

Under the contractor Liscorp Services, its construction commenced on Aug 15, 2024 and scheduled to complete on Dec 14, 2024 but the actual date of completion was today (Oct 30).

“I am very happy that we have reached 1.5 months ahead of the completion date. This is an achievement,” he told reporters at the handover of Bintawa Hawker Market today.

The Bintawa Wet Market was handed over earlier to MBKS on Oct 15, two months ahead of schedule.

Wee further explained that MBKS’ effort to improve hawker centres and wet markets was to create a chain reaction that will benefit the hawkers and customers alike.

“We do not want to subsidise the hawkers’ rental fees while they charge the customers at high prices.

“Thus, we will check from time to time and prevent hawkers taking advantage of our rental subsidies and so on,” he added.

He also said no rent will be collected from hawkers until the end of this year (Dec 2024), maintaining a promise made at the start of the project.

The Bintawa Hawker Centre and Wet Market is the second project completed after Sungai Apong Market.

“Next, we will improve the Petanak Central Market–their tables and chairs. So, this is what needs to be fixed. We will follow the example of colourful tables and chairs at Sungai Apong Market that will bring life to the market,” he elaborated. — DayakDaily