GEORGE TOWN – Tg Bungah’s popular Astaka food court will “rise from its ashes” after the Penang government allocated RM3.5 million towards a green building index facility here.
A fire razed the food court last year, causing major damages to its marble stalls and rooftop during the height of the pandemic.
During its heyday in the 1990s, Astaka’s stalls sold popular dishes and were particularly favoured by the night crowd.
It was also a place where the Alleycats and Sweet September show band members got their supper after performing in nearby Batu Ferringhi.
Today, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow brought along several state exco members and assemblymen to reaffirm that the state will rebuild the facility.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by hawkers in recent media reports, but said the state is always committed to rebuilding the landmark here.
Earlier, Tg Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khor Johari said multiple movement control orders had derailed plans to rebuild the facility.
The facility will now have space for 40 hawker lots, and it will be ready in six months with a new design where there is no need for stairs.
“It will be functional, and it meets the expectations of the people in Tg Bungah.”
He added that Astaka was built and owned by the federal government, but it had failed to upkeep the facility.
In 2018, Penang persuaded the federal government to surrender the premises to the state.
Zairil noted that residents in the hillside neighbourhood want a compact building, and not a skyscraper.
Among those present during Chow’s visit were hawkers whose stalls had been destroyed by the fire. – The Vibes, November 27, 2021
