Markets potential for tourism as cultural landmarks
Nga (right) with Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim during the competition prize-giving ceremony.
HOUSING and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has allocated more than RM136mil to transform public markets nationwide into cultural landmarks and tourism hotspots.
The announcement came during the second edition of Subang Jaya Car-Free Day (HTKSJ) 2025, held in Seri Kembangan, where Minister Nga Kor Ming officiated the prize-giving ceremony of the Design Idea Competition (DIC) for the redevelopment of Pasar Awam SK10, Seri Kembangan.
He added that all new markets and those undergoing upgrades above RM10mil would be required to hold similar design competitions.
The design competition for Pasar Awam SK10 in Selangor, set to undergo redevelopment estimated at RM12mil, was a joint effort between Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM). It attracted 91 designs from local architecture firms.
This competition used a comprehensive evaluation method, with 90% assessed by professional jurors.
The remaining 10% comprised community representatives, including Seri Kembangan assemblyman Wong Siew Ki, city councillors, MBSJ department heads and representatives from SK10 Market Traders Association.
The competition also accepted international entries to ensure the best ideas were considered.
Moa Architects Sdn Bhd took home the top prize of RM50,000, followed by Ky Loh Architect with RM30,000 in second place.
Spatial Factor Architects received RM15,000 for third placing, while seven other firms were given consolation prizes of RM5,000 each.
The winning firms would be appointed as consultants, while the city council would retain design copyright.
'This initiative empowers local professionals, strengthens public-private sector collaboration and ensures that the redevelopment of public markets aligns with the needs of both the community and the industry,' said Nga.
The Local Government Department (JKT), in collaboration with PAM, will run the design competition for eight other public market projects.
They are Pasar Taman Muda in Ampang, Pasar Kajang and Pasar Kekal at the Pasar Sungai Long site in Cheras – all three in Selangor, Pasar Borong Gong Pauh in Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Pasar Besar Kuala Pilah (Negri Sembilan), Pasar Besar Kuala Krai (Kelantan), Pasar Besar Ipoh (Perak) and Pasar Besar Melaka Sentral in Melaka.
On another matter, Nga said local councils would be categorised under performance-based 'traffic light' policy regarding federal funding.
'Councils ranked with a red light due to poor performance might have their allocations pulled.
'Those in yellow due to unsatisfactory (performance) will be reviewed.
'And those in green will be eligible for increased allocations,' he said.
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