Additional Funds For Upgrades Will Make Siti Khadijah Market More Conducive, Stimulate Business

KOTA BHARU, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The additional RM5.5 million allocation for the upgrading of the Siti Khadijah Market here will create a more conducive environment at the iconic building in Kelantan.

The market's Bumiputera Petty Traders Association chairman Ahmad Nazri Che Omar said the transformation would not only enhance the comfort level for the traders but also for those thronging to the location.

He said a major portion of the allocation would be used for electrical wiring works, painting the interior and exterior of the market as well as upgrading the drain structures and toilet facilities.

"We were told that work will begin next week, with the first step being cleaning up the garbage throughout the market building and the whole upgrading process is scheduled to be completed in eight weeks,” he told Bernama.

According to him, the allocation is very meaningful for the people of Kelantan, particularly to the 1,400 traders who have been making a living at the market since 1985.

Ahmad Nazri said the Siti Khadijah Market not only functions as a business centre for the people of Kelantan, but it is also a must-visit site for tourists to the state.

"The upgrading will revitalise the building, which will then attract more local and foreign visitors, thus invigorating business activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, 32-year-old keropok lekor seller Siti Hajar Rosli, who took over the business from her in-laws, said the traders appreciated the government's concern as the market has not been well-maintained for a long time. 

"It's high time that this dreary market is given a new lease of life to create a more lively atmosphere.

"As traders, we certainly hope it will be revitalised because we have received a lot of complaints from visitors who described the market as being 'not as good as it's made out to be’,” she said.

Another trader, 33-year-old Amin Zulkifli said the emergence of various supermarkets in the state would provide stiff competition to traders at the Siti Khadijah Market if it is not upgraded.

He described the measures taken by the government as timely, especially with online trading gaining popularity.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his opening speech when tabling Budget 2025, also spoke about his visits to meet people in several states to personally see and hear the issues faced by them, which helped in drafting the budget.

One of them was the Siti Khadijah Market and Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said the government had announced an allocation of RM5.5 million for the upgrading of the iconic structure.

"I visited the Siti Khadijah Market in Kelantan to see for myself the dilapidated condition of the market, which also has other issues involving the roof, toilets, electrical and water supplies as well as the threat of floods. However, they remain resilient and strong,” said the Prime Minister.

-- BERNAMA