Brighter, cooler Seri Kembangan market with RM10,000 upgrade

The Star

7 days ago

Cheong hopes to see an electricity meter at each unit so that the market traders will no longer need to rely on a bulk meter like the one seen here.
SUBANG Jaya City Council (MBSJ) spent RM10,000 on the latest upgrade exercise at Pasar Awam Bazar Rakyat SK 6/1 in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, to make the 17-year-old facility more comfortable for visitors and traders.
During a press conference, Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki and MBSJ Zone 22 councillor Tey Boon Kiat said upgrades of the public market included a new air-conditioned booth for security staff as the previous one had flooded after heavy rain, installation of three industrial fans to replace those that had malfunctioned and replacement of three rusted steel columns.
These columns support beams running across the trading lots where electrical plug points are installed.
An additional 20 tubes of fluorescent lights were also installed to brighten up the area.
'The additional lighting is especially useful for traders when carrying goods to shops during the wee hours of the morning,' said Persatuan Penjaja Bazar Rakyat SK6/1 Seri Kembangan treasurer Cheong Lai Fun, 62.
'Though many of our customers only start arriving around 7am, traders in the wet section are here as early as 3am, while those operating at the dry section like me will be at work by 6am.'
The market's previous upgrading exercise saw the addition of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and renovation of its public toilets.
Cheong hoped the council would consider servicing the roller shutters and instal electricity meters at each shop.
'While some traders have installed their own meters to monitor energy consumption, others find it too costly.
'I paid RM4,000 to have mine installed,' she said.
'Those who do not have meters split the bill according to the reading of a bulk meter.'
Traders association chairman Gan Chiou Ling said currently only shop owners with their own meters received electricity bills.
For the others, estimations are made in regards to usage and payment made accordingly.
'This is largely a technical issue that will require discussions with Tenaga Nasional Bhd and MBSJ,' said Wong.
'I welcome the idea of each unit having their own electricity meter but I foresee that not all will agree to it as some may fear having to pay more for electricity consumption.'
She said her immediate focus was to ensure the market remained sustainable in the long run.
For example, she added, some traders could start selling locally produced souvenirs, thus turning the market into a tourist stop.