Plans to upgrade KK Central market as Sabah's Victoria Market

By Olivia Miwil - January 4, 2019 @ 2:35pm

Kota Kinabalu member of parliament Chan Foong Hin visiting the Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu today. Pix by NSTP/Khairull Azry Bidin

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is considering upgrading central market here to become one of tourist attractions in future.

Kota Kinabalu member of parliament Chan Foong Hin said the market, located at the heart of city, had not only attracted locals but also tourists.

“This place has the potential to be developed into something similar to Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne.

“If the beautification plan takes place, there is a possibility that this market will also operate at night,” he said, adding there were also tourists who bought seafood at the market and asked the hawker stalls here to cook for them at night.

Chan was speaking to reporters after distributing calendars and mandarin oranges at the central market here.

He said the plan was still in discussion stage with Kota Kinabalu City Hall and other relevant agencies.

Among the proposed upgrades included installation of better lighting and ceiling fans.

Meanwhile, on Sabah deferring implementation of smoking ban at eateries, Chan said: “The state government is not rejecting the implementation of smoking ban but it needs time to discuss on state enactment to be in line with federal law.”

Sabah has put on hold nationwide smoking ban at all eateries pending a decision by the state Cabinet meeting next week.

It was previously reported that among the concerns raised in implementing the smoking ban included hefty fine as well as its impact on business operations and tourism industry.

Also present was Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt.