GOVT ALLOCATES RM28 MLN TO UPGRADE KOTA BHARU'S BAZAR SITI AISYAH

KOTA BHARU, March 29 (Bernama) -- The federal government has allocated RM28 million to the Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation (PKINK) to upgrade Bazar Siti Aisyah.

PKINK Group senior manager (Entrepreneur Development and Investment) Ahmad Hilmi Mohd Nawawi said the upgrading project would take 36 months to complete and is expected to be ready by December 2028.

“The objective of the project is to upgrade existing buildings and infrastructure to create a more comfortable space for traders and visitors, besides empowering Bumiputera entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in batik and handicrafts," he said.

He said this in a briefing at the Media Tour @ Prime Minister’s Department Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU JPM), Kelantan, here today.

Ahmad Hilmi said the 41-year-old bazaar, also known as Bazar Buluh Kubu, is renowned for its handicrafts, local fabrics such as songket and batik, brassware, wood carvings, as well as traditional food and delicacies.

“The scope of the project includes the expansion of shop units, a proposed hall, repairs to electrical infrastructure, drainage systems, septic tanks, and additional parking space," he said.

ICU JPM director Dr Wan Nur Ibtisam Wan Ismail said the development project is not solely focused on infrastructure but also involves socio-economic improvement for the local community.

“A primary focus of this programme is to detail socio-economic project implementation strategies so that the benefits can be felt holistically by the community.

“Furthermore, this programme provides an avenue for all parties from federal and state agencies to share views and strengthen cooperation with media practitioners in delivering accurate information to the people,” she said.

-- BERNAMA