KUCHING: The Kota Padawan Wet Market project, featuring 300 stalls, will provide a new facility for residents of Batu Kawa and surrounding areas, with development costs estimated at RM15 million and completion targeted within 18 months.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said the project, fully developed and funded by Lee Onn Group, was intended not only to provide a modern wet market but also to preserve the lifestyle, traditional values and heritage of the local community.
“The project covers an area of 3.43 acres, equivalent to approximately 34 shoplot units. Its facilities will comprise a total of 300 stalls, including 270 market stalls, 18 food court stalls, 12 lock-up shops and a mini collection centre.
“The wet market will also serve as a collection centre to help local farmers from Matang and Batu Kawa gather, market and process surplus agricultural produce, such as vegetables and fruits, to support agricultural production,” he said.
He was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the project at Pines Square, Batu Kawa, here on Tuesday.
He said the wet market development was intended not only to modernise local facilities but also to preserve the lifestyle, traditional values and heritage of the local community.
He added that wet markets remained an important part of community life, serving not only as places for buying and selling goods but also as spaces for residents to meet and interact.
Meanwhile, Datuk Amar Dr Sim said land next to the wet market had also been allocated for the construction of a fire station and a police station, with Federal Government funding needed to realise both projects. -UKASnews
