KOTA BELUD: Renovation works at the Kota Belud Vegetable and Fruit Market, originally scheduled for completion in November, will be expedited in an effort to complete them before the end of October.
The Kota Belud District Council (MDKB), in a statement, said the move followed the natural disaster on Thursday and was aimed at taking into consideration the interests of affected traders and members of the public.
It said the contractor had committed to speeding up the renovation works, subject to weather conditions, site safety and the smooth progress of construction.
“The Council expresses its sympathy and concern for the vegetable and fruit traders affected by the natural disaster that occurred on Thursday.
“The Council will do its utmost to assist and take appropriate measures to ease the burden on affected traders, subject to its jurisdiction and the regulations in place,” it said in a media statement, Friday.
MDKB said the renovation project was originally scheduled to be completed in November 2026.
The Council will continue to monitor the progress of the works to ensure the interests of traders and market users remain a priority.
Earlier, heavy rain and strong winds caused losses to more than 20 traders after their canopies were damaged.
The traders have been operating outside the market building while renovation works are underway.
Vegetable and fruit trader Abdullah Sani, 53, said he and other traders hoped the renovation works would be expedited to provide better protection from bad weather.
“If the weather is hot, we do not mind, but bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds causes us losses.
“Not only were the canopies damaged, but the produce could also no longer be sold to customers,” said the father of four school-going children.
Enquiries can be directed to the Head of the Vegetable and Fruit Market or MDKB at 088-976529.
