Upgraded Siti Khadijah Market Set To Become key Tourist Destination By 2026 - Nga

KOTA BHARU, July 18  (Bernama) -- The iconic Siti Khadijah Market is undergoing a major upgrade and is set to become a key tourist destination in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the upgrading works are expected to be fully completed this year and will offer greater comfort for visitors and 1,500 local traders operating there.

He said the project includes refurbishing public toilets into clean, fragrant and tourist-friendly facilities, installing new electrical wiring, repainting the building and enhancing the interior structure.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) for allocating RM5.5 million in special funds to help the Kota Bharu Municipal Council (MPKB) implement this project.

“My ministry has added another RM1.5 million, bringing the total allocation for the Siti Khadijah Market upgrading project to RM7 million,” he told a press conference after visiting the market here today.

Nga said the market transformation is part of the MADANI government’s efforts to boost the local economy through tourism, in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework and the Visit Malaysia Year campaign.

He also visited the MyKiosk project, a joint initiative between the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) and MPKB, where all 17 kiosks have been fully occupied by local entrepreneurs.

“A burger seller told me he now earns more than RM10,000 a month.

“We charge a very affordable rent of just RM150 per month, or RM5 a day. In fact, KPKT is offering six months of free rent to help them kickstart their businesses,” he said.

Nga added that MyKiosk utilises environmentally friendly solar energy, helping traders save on electricity costs while supporting the government’s goal of developing low-carbon cities.

To date, KPKT has assisted over 7,000 families, including B40 groups, roadside traders, and previously unlicensed hawkers, who are now registered and operating legally.

Nga also congratulated and thanked MPKB management for their commitment to implementing pro-people initiatives in Kelantan, in line with the government’s efforts to improve the well-being of the rakyat.

-- BERNAMA