Kota Kinabalu: The Kepayan Square Weekly Tamu began operations at its new temporary site next to St Thomas Church, recently, after final ground compaction works were completed.
Kapayan Assemblywoman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang visited the site with DBKK officers, Kapitan Yu Sang, Kapitan Alvin and her team, among others, to observe the first day of trading at the new location.
The site was established using Adun funding provided by Jannie’s office.
Earlier this month, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick contributed 74 chairs, tables and canopies to support the traders’ setup at the new location.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to DBKK staff and my office for their efforts in arranging the traders properly,” Jannie said.
She said feedback from traders had been positive about the new location.
“From the feedback I received, the traders are happy with this new location as it provides them with more space to display their goods and gives customers more room to walk around comfortably.
“The traders were especially glad that they are now able to drive into the Tamu grounds to unload their tables, chairs, canopies and goods, a convenience that makes their work much easier,” she said.
The Weekly Tamu will operate at this temporary site until a permanent roofing project over Kepayan Square is completed.
The Ministry of Local Government and Housing approved a RM1 million allocation for the roofing project through the Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council earlier this year, following requests from Jannie and Ewon.
Jannie said the development is an important step towards providing local traders with proper facilities.
“I encourage more visitors to this Tamu Mingguan, which offers a wide varieties of wares including clothings, fresh local produce as well as toys and trinkets.
“After shopping, visitors can enjoy coffee and food at the nearby restaurants which offers the cheapest food and drinks in Kota Kinabalu and Penampang areas,” she said.