Budget 2024: Allocation to upgrade public markets proves govt's commitment towards traders

KOTA BHARU - An allocation of RM110 million for the improvement and upgrading of public market infrastructure under Budget 2024 demonstrates the government's commitment towards the welfare of traders.

Siti Khadijah Market Bumiputera Petty Traders Association chairman Ahmad Nazri Che Omar, 54, said a clean and safe market not only provides comfort to traders but also attracts visitors and boosts buying and selling activities.

"Markets are not just for daily necessities, but beautiful markets with good facilities can attract tourists.

"The Siti Khadijah Market, for example, not only serves as a retail outlet but has become a tourist icon in Kelantan, selling various local products, including serunding (meat floss) and traditional delicacies," he told Bernama today.

He said the process of transforming markets into tourist attractions requires regular and systematic maintenance as well as smart management.

According to him, there are about 1,400 traders at Siti Khadijah Market who are selling various items including wet goods, food, sweets, jewellery, clothes and local products.

He said the market attracts nearly 5,000 visitors a day during school holidays or public holidays, including tourists from abroad.

Meanwhile, Kota Lama assemblyman Dr Hafidzah Mustakim said there are three major markets in Kota Bharu, namely Siti Khadijah Market, Kubang Pasu Market and Pohon Pinang Market, with significant economic potential that need to be improved. - BERNAMA