Night market traders urged to improve level of cleanliness in their areas

Night market traders in the city are urged to improve the level of cleanliness in their areas so that the night market can become a must-visit destination for tourists to learn about Malaysian culture.

Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said the main reason most foreign tourists were reluctant to go to night market was the unsatisfactory state of cleanliness compared with public market in other countries.

"We can make a public market as a destination for tourists to learn about Malaysian culture and lifestyle because various food and souvenirs are being sold there.

"So, I would like to call on all night market traders and visitors, as well as the local authority, to work closely together to keep our markets clean.

"The redevelopment of the Jalan Raja Bot (Chow Kit) Market is also hoped to become an exemplary model of a clean and modern public market in the city," he told reporters after distributing 400 boxes of Mandarin oranges to traders and visitors to Taman Seri Sentosa Market and Hawkers Centre here today.

The minister said apart from cleanliness, the existing public facilities at all public markets, especially disabled-friendly facilities and parking lots, would be upgraded in stages.

He said the ministry would also continue to provide umbrella to hawkers around Taman Seri Sentosa Market and Hawkers Centre to encourage them to continue with their activities and maintain harmony in the market.

Raja Nong Chik, who is also Lembah Pantai Umno chief, said they would distribute 20,000 boxes of Mandarin oranges to local residents in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration which falls on Feb 10 and 11 next month.