Mayor: Bintawa Wet Market reopens after upgrades, to host 22 traders

KUCHING (Oct 15): The Bintawa Wet Market here has now completed its upgrading works, and is ready to accommodate 22 small traders from today onwards, announced Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.

“The ongoing upgrading works, covering both the Bintawa Hawker Centre and Wet Market, have cost approximately RM1.3 million for both projects,” he said when speaking to reporters following the handing over of the project from the contractor, Liscorp Services, to Kuching South City Council (MBKS) today.

Wee said that the contractor had conducted repair works on the roof and the drainage system, as well as replaced old wiring and repainted the market.

“About 22 hawkers and 12 small traders were affected due to the upgrading works, which began on Aug 15.

“We are aware that some of the traders set up small tents beside the market so as to continue their business, while others chose not to operate until the upgrading works were completed,” he added.

Moreover, Wee expressed his satisfaction that the contractor, who was initially given four months to complete the project, managed to finish ahead of schedule.

He was also informed that the same contractor, who is carrying out the upgrading and refurbishment works of the Bintawa Hawker Centre, is expected to complete the project ahead of schedule, set for this November.

“As promised to the small traders of Bintawa Wet Market, they will be exempted from paying their rent until the end of this year. Since they are moving into a new environment, they will need time to adjust.

“It is important to remind them to take care of the upgraded facilities and prevent any acts of vandalism that could damage public property,” he emphasised.

On a separate matter, Wee announced several upcoming projects under the 13th Malaysian Plan, which are in their final stages of preparation, as well as further improvement to other facilities under his jurisdiction.