GEORGE TOWN – Former patrons of Medan Mutiara Selera in Tg Bungah that was burnt to the ground in November 2020 can expect a newly-erected food court by January 2022.
It will feature 40 stalls, seven more from the original 33, with a brand-new layout that has environmentally friendly features.
According to Penang infrastructure and transport executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari, it will cost RM3.49 million to rebuild in adherence to the Green Building Index (GBI) standards, Malaysia’s industry recognised green rating tool for buildings.
“The key features include a rainwater harvesting roof, use of low volatile organic compounds paint and redesigned to allow for more natural lighting and natural ventilation.
“The old building was already run down and not conducive as it was a closed building with no roof. When it rains, the roofed stores can operate, but no one can dine there.
“There is going to be a roof for everyone, and all the stalls will be in the middle instead of encircling the pavilion, emulating the design of food courts in Singapore,” he said.
Each stall will be 120 sq ft, and the pavilion will have a surau, storeroom and an office. The foundation will also be redesigned, so it is levelled and OKU (people with disabilities) friendly.
There is going to be a roof for everyone, and all the stalls will be in the middle instead of encircling the pavilion, emulating the design of food courts in Singapore.
Zairil explained that the building was owned by the federal government and is situated on state land. However, the state government requested a change of ownership in 2018, and the transfer only materialised in 2020.
A few months later, the building burnt to the ground. All the electrical wiring – 90% of the roof and ceiling, 70% of the stalls’ equipment and items, and 60% of the building structure, including the plumbing and sewerage – was destroyed. What was left standing were the granite stools and tables. “We assessed the damage and had many meetings to discuss what we can do,” he said.
“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) did not have the budget to rebuild the pavilion, and it could not be repaired. However, the matter was brought up to the exco, and the state government has approved the decision to rebuild and fund it.”
Chief Minister Incorporated will be the sole custodian of the land and the building.
Looking at it in a positive light, Zairil said that the fire has brought forward the opportunity to rebuild the iconic place. However, it will continue to be a single level building to match its surroundings.
To help those who have lost their source of income from the fire, his office has arranged with Zakat Pulau Pinang to give RM500 aid to each stallholder, both Muslim and non-Muslim in November.
In December, the exco office also offered another RM500 aid on top of the state’s Pakej Bantuan Rakyat Pulau Pinang and RM500 was also given in April (before the fire).
“We understand it is not enough, but we are helping as much as we can. We offered those at other locations affected by Covid-19 to do their business here temporarily.”
Of the 33 stallholders, 27 came for the interview and nine accepted the offer. The others preferred to wait until the new building is in operation again.
“I wish it could be done sooner, but the procurement process takes time,” Zairil said, adding that they will be opening a tender for contractors in May.
He hopes that work will start in July and will be completed within six months. – The Vibes, April 27, 2021
